Columbia  ©ntoasitp 
mtljeCttpofJtflugork 

THE  LIBRARIES 


Bequest  of 

Frederic  Bancroft 

1860-1945 


THE    LTFE 


MRS.   MARY    D.  JAMES 


BY    HER    SON. 


TXTHODTTTIOX 


REV.  J.   M.   BUCKLEY,  1>.P. 


gill  for   hsut." 

—Motto  of  Mr*.  Jnmft. 


OTTO      Y<  )liK  : 

62  and  64  Ribt.f  Hor<::. 


<B 


-V 


(OPYIUGHT.    188«i. 

I'.y  PALMEE  *  HUGHES. 


l'USS   of  J     I.    J.ittle    8i  Co. 
!  Asfor  Place,  Hew  Yori.  te    ' 


INTKODUCTION 


To  write  an  introduction  to  a  biography  is  a  task  from 
which  most  persons  of  discrimination  shrink.  The  space 
is  too  limited  for  a  portraiture ;  descanting  upon  the 
uses  of  biography  is  superfluous,  because  trite.  Often 
the  biographer,  whose  work  is  introduced,  has  fallen  into 
an  excess  of  eulogy,  distasteful  to  him  who  is  placed  in 
the  attitude  of  indorsing  the  work.  Occasionally  the 
defect  is  at  the  other  extreme ;  a  coldness  pervades  the 
pages,  where  life  and  warmth  are  required  in  justice  to 
the  character  portrayed. 

In  the  present  instance  I  feel  no  such  shrinking.  A 
life-long  acquaintance  with  the  subject  of  this  memoir 
and  with  her  son,  its  author,  removes  all  the  difficulties. 
That  there  is  no  possibility  of  excess  of  eulogy  so  far  as 
the  moral  elements  of  the  character  of  Mary  D.  James 
are  concerned,  I  believe  firmly.  That  coldness  is  im- 
possible, when  a  son  writes  of  such  a  mother,  I  am  as 
well  assured  as  that  when  the  subject  is  allowed  to 
speak  through  her  epistolary  and  other  writings  a  genial 
warmth  will  be  diffused.  It  will  not  be  easy  to  treat 
with  equal  delicacy  and  fullness  her  intellectual  traits  or 
personal  manners ;  for  these  blended  with  remarkable 
spirituality  so  as  to  make  a  picture  of  unchanging  sim- 
plicity and  beauty.  These  words  are  written  in  the 
confidence  that  none  of  the  thousands  in  the  Middle 
States  and  in  New  England  who  had  come  under  her 
influence  will  think  the  picture  overdrawn. 


IV  INTRODUCTION. 

The  Christian  Advocate  for  October  18,  1883,  spoke 
of  Mary  D.  James,  editorially,  thus :  "  Her  life  during 
the  greater  part  of  her  more  than  seventy  years  was 
'  hid  with  Christ  in  God.'  Spirituality  was  her  normal 
state ;  her  soul  was  ever  wrapt  in  divine  contemplations, 
and  her  '  words,  fitly  chosen,5  expressed  her  elevated  ex- 
perience so  as  to  suggest  the  scriptural  figure  of  '  apples 
of  gold  in  pictures  of  silver.'  Who  that  ever  saw  her 
can  forget  her  pale  face,  her  speaking  eyes,  her  winning 
smile?  The  writer  was  accustomed  to  hear  her  in  his 
childhood  in  the  Sabbath-school,  the  prayer-meeting, 
and  in  private  conversation.  '  Salvation  dwelt  upon  her 
tongue ; '  none  could  pronounce  the  word  more  sweetly." 

The  Christian  Advocate  also  said :  "  She  is  worthy  to 
be  mentioned  with  Lady  Huntingdon,  Lady  Maxwell, 
Mrs.  Fletcher,  or  any  of  those  women  who  stand  as  types 
of  saintly  piety  combined  with  feminine  delicacy  and 
native  refinement.  Without  censoriousness,  and  full  of 
love  for  the  young,  her  presence  was  a  benediction  to 
all  whom  she  met.  Mrs.  James  was  an  humble  and 
unobtrusive  professor  of  'the  higher  life.'  Where  she 
moved  none  doubted  that  there  is  a  state  so  superior  to 
that  in  which  most  Christians  live  as  to  be  worthy  of 
St.  Paul's  description,  '  a  more  excellent  way.'  Her 
death  was  the  exhalation  of  a  spirit  prepared  to  see 
God." 

After  the  lapse  of  three  years,  in  which  I  have  had 
ample  time  to  reflect  upon  these  words,  to  consider 
whether  they  are  extravagant,  whether  early  influences 
created  a  prepossession  which  invested  her  character 
with  that  ethereal  purity  which  has  in  it  more  of  the 
ideal  than  of  the  real,  or  whether  there  were  not  defects 
of  sufficient  magnitude  to  shade  the  picture,  the  closest 


INTRODUCTION.  V 

analysis  of  which  I  am  capable  leaves  the  settled  con- 
viction that  her  graces  were  more  numerous  and  fully 
developed  and  her  defects  and  infirmities  fewer  and  less 
important  than  are  often  found  in  this  imperfect  state. 

Not  until  we  enter  those  realms  from  which  human 
imperfection  is  forever  excluded  shall  we  find  many,  if 
any,  to  whom  can  be  applied  with  less  reserve  St.  John's 
inspired  description,  "the  elect  lady." 

Whoever  shall  read  this  book  needs  a  warning,  not  to 
remember  the  partiality  of  biographers,  but  the  inade- 
quacy of  any  biography  to  attain  the  height  necessary 
to  command  a  full  vision  of  a  character  whose  chief 
excellence,  by  which  all  other  gifts  and  graces  were 
irradiated,  was  constant  communion  with  God. 

J.  M.  BUCKLEY. 

Christian  Advocate  Office,  Editorial  Rooms, 

805  Broadway,  New  York,  November  20,  1886. 


PREFACE 


Abundant  materials  for  a  biography  of  Mrs.  James 
were  furnished  by  her  own  pen.  The  little  volume, 
Mary ;  or,  The  Young  Christian,  the  series  of  articles 
entitled  Fifty  Years'  Walk  with  Jesus,  multiplied  con- 
tributions, in  prose  and  verse,  to  various  periodicals,  about 
fifteen  hundred  private  letters,  and  almost  innumerable 
pages  of  diaries  and  memoranda  have  been  examined  in 
the  preparation  of  the  work.  To  select  from  such  a 
mass  of  matter  that  adapted  to  the  purpose  and  arrange 
it  as  here  presented  was  no  small  task.  This  work, 
delightful  in  itself,  but  occupying  so  many  hours,  has 
been  performed  in  such  fragments  of  time  as  could  be 
secured  without  neglecting  the  duties  of  an  exacting 
pastorate.  This  explains  the  delay  in  the  appearance  of 
the  book,  which  has  been  regretted  by  no  one  so  much 
as  myself.  This  may  also  account  in  part  for  faults  of 
style  and  for  the  fragmentary  character  of  the  book 
itself,  though  it  was  believed  that  its  purpose  would  be 
better  served  by  the  separate  presentation  of  different 
phases  of  the  life  and  work  under  consideration  than  by 
attempting  a  connected  narrative. 

The  many  kind  friends  who,  by  contributions  or  the 
loan  of  letters  for  use  in  these  pages,  or  by  counsels, 
suggestions,  prayers,  or  expressions  of  interest,  have  aided 
in  the  labor  will  please  accept  my  heartfelt  thanks. 

Quotations  are  in  type  smaller  than  that  of  the  body 


Vlll  PREFACE. 

of  the  book,  quotation  marks  being  omitted  so  far  as 
practicable.  Of  the  extracts  the  source  of  which  is  not 
stated,  those  in  the  third  person  are  from  The  Young 
Christian,  or  Fifty  Years'  Walk  with  Jesus ;  those  in 
the  first  person  are  from  letters  to  the  immediate  family 
of  Mrs.  James.  Her  own  language  is  introduced  so 
largely  because  it  was  believed  that  no  other  would  be 
so  satisfactory  to  the  reader.  In  many  cases  quotations 
have  been  condensed,  by  .the  omission  of  words,  and  even 
whole  sentences,  care  being  used  not  to  change  the 
meaning.  Those  familiar  with  the  fervid  style  of  this 
writer  will  miss  the  marks  of  emphasis  with  which  the 
earnest  pen  sought  to  arrest  the  eye,  as  did  the  moving 
voice  the  ear,  but  the  thought  and  the  glow  remain. 
The  charm  of  her  utterances  was  in  the  aroma  of  heaven. 
This  came  through  the  devotional  spirit  in  which  she 
always  spoke  and  wrote.  It  will  not  be  4bst  by  those 
who  read  in  the  same  spirit. 

In  requesting  her  friend  to  preach  at  her  funeral,  she 
whose  history  is  here  recorded  said  :  "  Please  don't  exalt 
me,  but  exalt  Christ.  I  am  of  no  account;  let  Christ 
be  all  in  all."  This  injunction  has  been  constantly  in 
the  mind  of  her  biographer.  The  record  is  designed  to 
show,  by  the  history  of  one,  what  Jesus  will  do  for  all 
who  will  fully  place  themselves  in  His  hands. 

And  now  this  tribute  of  grateful  love  for  one  of  the 

best  of  mothers  is  laid  at  the  feet  of  Him  to  whom  was 

given  the  life  it  so  imperfectly  portrays.     He  accepted 

the  life  and  filled  it  with  beauty  and  usefulness.     May 

He  make  the  record  a  blessing  to  every  reader  and  so 

perpetuate  that  usefulness. 

JOSEPH  H.  JAMES. 

Parsonage  op  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
Rockville,  Conn.,  November  25, 1886.- 


CONTENTS. 


Introduction.     By  Rev.  J.  M.  Buckley,  D.D.     .         .         .         iii 
Preface vii 

PART   FIRST. 

THE  CONSECRATED  MAIDEN. 

Chapter  I.     The  Beginning. 

A  bit  of  American  History  connected  with  this  Biography. 
The  Quaker  Father.  The  Conscientious  Mother.  The 
Thoughtful  Child.  The  Joyous  Convert.  Grandmother's 
Doubts.     Meridian  Evidence.     Prayer  "Without  Ceasing.       1-8 

Chapter  II.     The  Child  at  Work. 

In  the  Church-fold.  Faithful  Shepherding.  Testimonies  and 
Prayers  in  Social  Meetings.  Bringing  Schoolmates  to 
Jesus.     A  Teacher  Won.     Help  in  Study.  .         .         9-13 

Chapter  III.     Life  More  Abundant. 

A  New  Pastor.  Wise  Instruction.  Aspirations  after  Purity. 
The  Divine  Anointing.  Details  of  Experience.  Abiding 
in  Full  Consecration  and  Trust.     Definite  Testimony.       14-21 

Chapter  IV.     Personal  Traits. 

A  Pen-picture.  The  Inner  Mary  Yard.  Vivid  Imagination. 
Inherited  Strength  of  Character.  An  Incident  of  the 
Revolution.  Reproving  Sabbath-breaking  and  Wine- 
drinking.  Family  Worship.  Prayer  with  a  Skeptic.  A 
Thunder-storm.     A  Camp-meeting.  .         .         .         22-31 


X  CONTENTS. 

Chapter  V.     Mental  and  Spiritual  Culture. 

TAGE3 

Helped  by  Pastors.  Fondness  for  Books.  Studying  Lan- 
guages. A  Tract  translated  from  the  French.  Love  of 
Nature.     Diligence  in  Religious  Duties.     Diary.        .         32-38 

Chapter  VI.     The  Young  Sunday-school  Teacher. 

Beginning  the  Work.  A  Pupil's  Reminiscences.  In  the  Class. 
In  the  Homes  of  the  Children.  Visiting  the  Sick.  A 
Wanderer  Reclaimed.     A  Pleasant  Retrospect.  .         39-45 

Chapter  VII.     Early  Conflicts  and  Triumphs. 

A  Vacation  Visit  to  Newark.  Dangerous  Illness.  ' '  Thou  Shalt 
Not  Die."  The  Father's  Death.  An  Afflicted  Family. 
Mental  Struggles.     Victory.      .....         46-54 

Chapter  VIII.     Hallowed  Friendships. 

Sarah  Langstroth  Brainard.  James  Brainard  Taylor.  Charlotte 
Thibou  Janes.  Ann  Herbert.  A  Peril  Escaped.  Court- 
ship and  Marriage.     Unexpected  Changes.    .         .        55-64 

PART    SECOND. 

THE    BUSY  WOMAN. 
Chapter  I.     In  the  New  Home. 

The  Removal  to  Mount  Holly.  A  Mother.  A  Consecration  and 
its  Influence.  Cares  and  Sufferings.  Threatened  with 
Cancer.    Visiting  a  Consumptive.    An  Inebriate  Saved.    65-75 

Chapter  II.     Witnessing  of  a  Full  Salvation. 

Testimony  Withheld.  Duty  Made  Plain.  Visit  to  New  York. 
Confession.  A  Holiness  Meeting  in  Mount  Holly.  The 
Church  Quickened.     Pen-and-ink  Testimony.     Results.  76-87 

Chapter  III.     Harvesting. 

Burdened  for  Souls.  Visit  of  Mrs.  Palmer.  Anointed  for  Serv- 
ice.    Labors  of  an  Evangelist.     Rev.  John  K.  Shaw.     A 


CONTENTS.  XI 

PAGES 

"Watch-night  Service.  The  Work  among  Young  Men 
and  Women.  Personal  Effort.  In  Revival  Meetings.  A 
Memorable  Communion  Season 88-98 


Chapter  IV.     Three  Summer  Visits. 

At  the  Seaside.  Attractions  of  Long  Branch.  A  Presby- 
terian Lady.  Among  the  Hills.  Charming  Scenery. 
Missionary  Work.  Mingling  of  Kindred  Souls.  Mrs. 
Boyle's  Account.  Health  Benefited.  In  the  Metropolis. 
The  Home  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer.  Association  with 
Eminent  Christians.  Visit  to  Mrs.  Lankford.  Lessons  in 
Sick  Rooms.     Home  Ties.    Living  a  Moment  at  a  time.   99-115 

Chapter  V.     Pressed  by  Domestic  Cares. 

The  Birth  of  a  Daughter.  At  Death's  Door.  Sustained  in  Great 
Suffering.  A  Mother's  Responsibilities.  Bishops  Hamline 
and  Janes.  Look  Up  !  Pilgrim.  A  Housekeeper's  Trials. 
Visit  to  New  York,  Sing  Sing,  and  Staten  Island.  A  Sec- 
ond Daughter.     A  Second  Son.      .         .         .         .         116-128 

Chapter  VI.     Manifold  Activities. 

In  the  Sunday-school.  Appeal  to  a  Gay  Young  Lady.  Home 
Duties.  "Mary;  or,  the  Young  Christian."  Using  Hospi- 
tality. Singing  for  Jesus.  Among  the  Poor.  A  Benevolent 
Association.  "Auntie  Piatt."  Helping  Pastors.  ''Charity 
Never  Faileth."     Testimony  of  Rev.  Dr.  Porter.      .      129-146 


PART   THIRD. 

THE  MATURE  CHRISTIAN. 

Chapter  I.     Second  Residence  in  Trenton. 

Time-element  in  Christian  Progress.  A  Summer  in  Free- 
hold. 'l  The  Infant  School  Lesson  Book."  Letter  to  Mrs. 
Bishop  Hamline.  The  Eye  in  Christian  Testimony.  A 
Holiness-meeting  in  Trenton.    Visit  to  Westiield.    Revival 


xii  CONTENTS. 

PAGES 

at  Hamilton  Square.  Contagious  Faith.  Union  Meetings. 
Christian  Union.  Stand  Up  for  Jesus.  Efforts  in  Behalf 
of  the  Fallen.     Reminiscences  by  a  Co-worker.      .         147-101 

Chapter  II.     Tiie  Children's  Home. 

Origin  of  the  Childreji's  Home  in  Trenton,  N.  J.  First  Re- 
port. Interest  and  Liberality  of  Prominent  Citizens. 
Twenty-seventh  Anniversary.     A  Monument.         .         1G2-1G8 

Chapter  III.     Patriotism. 

Slave  Mart  and  Auction  Block.  Excitement  of  War  Times.  A 
Young  Soldier.  Poem  :  To  the  New  Jersey  Volunteers. 
Antidote  for  Fear.  The  Returning  Troops.  Letter  to  a 
Young  Christian  Soldier.  Parting  with  Her  Son.  Joy 
in  Victory.     Counsels  to  a  Chaplain.     The  Reunion.     169-182 

Chapter  IV.     In  New  England. 

A  Stranger  among  Strangers.  First  Impressions.  Finding 
Friends.  "Mother  Munroe."  Valiant  for  the  Truth. 
Not  a  "Perfectionist."  Mysteries.  Testimony  of  Ob- 
servers          183-192 

Chapter  V.     Once  More  in  New  Jersey. 

"  Our  Father"  Opening  the  Way.  In  Labors  more  Abundant. 
Visit  to  Freehold.  Review  of  the  Year  1870.  Trip  to 
Ilion,  N.  Y.  Among  Thieves.  The  Removal  from  Trenton. 
An  "Elim." 193-203 

Chapter  VI.     Bereaved. 

Death  of  Lieutenant  Yard.  The  Aged  Mother's  Trials  and 
Triumphs.  Little  Charlie.  Mary  Priscilla.  Edmund  J. 
Yard.    Captain  J.  A.  Yard.    The  Last  of  the  Family.     204-220 

CnAPTEU  VII.     Among  Little  People. 

The  Infant  Class.  A  Mission  School.  A  Class  of  Young  Con- 
verts. Two  Waifs  in  the  Children's  Home.  Memories  of  a 
Visit  to  Salem,  N.  J.  With  her  own  Little  Ones.  A  Child 
Convert.     A  Mother's  Opportunity.         .         .         .         221-232 


CONTENTS.  Xlll 

Chapter  VIII.     The  Tireless  Pen. 

PAGES 

The  Correspondent.  Moved  by  Friends  to  New  Activity.  The 
First  Letter  to  the  "Guide."  The  Poet.  Nobody  Knows  but 
Jesus.  The  Joy  of  Communion  with  God.  Count  the  Mercies. 
He  Stirred  my  Nest.  Never.  All  for  Jesus.  Companion- 
ship with  Jesus.  Everlasting  Love.  Light  at  Evening-time. 
The  Night-blooming  Cereus.  All  Bright  Above.  A  Starless 
Crown.  ........         233-256 

Chapter  IX.     Temperance  Work. 

In  her  own  Home.  In  Behalf  of  the  Maine  Law.  On  the  Cars. 
W.  C.  T.  U.  Work.  Helping  Workers.  A  "No  License " 
Vote 257-270 

Chapter  X.     Helping  Young  Christians. 

Counsels  and  Suggestions  to  Young  Ministers,  and  their  Ap- 
preciation of  them.  Take  Care  of  the  Boys.  A  Young 
Lady's  Testimony.     The  Importance  of  such  Work.      271-280 

Chapter  XL     At  Camp-meetings. 

Vincenttown.  Memorable  Scenes.  Conversion  of  a  Young 
Lady.  Penn's  Grove.  Services  Extraordinary.  Vineland. 
Round  Lake.  Consecration  Hymn.  Ocean  Grove.  Meeting 
of  1883 281-298 

Chapter  XII.     Furnace  Experiences. 

Trouble  with  a  Domestic.  The  Conscious  Presence  of  God. 
Illness.  Relief  through  Prayer.  The  Refining  Process. 
Losses.    "The  Darkest  Hour."   L  Love  to  Trust  in  Jesus.  299-312 


PART     FOURTH. 

THE  SAINTLY  MATRON. 
Chapter  I.     Indian  Summer. 

Increasing  Saintliness.  The  Tndian  Summer  of  Life.  Changes. 
In  the  Avard  Home.  Recollections  by  one  of  the  Family. 
In  Moody  Meetings.     Psalm  ciii.     Visit  to  Wilmington, 


Xiv  CONTENTS. 

PAGES 

Del.  Providential  Leadings.  Visit  to  the  House  of  Cor- 
rection. In  Norwich,  Conn.  A  New  Ebenezer.  "The 
Soul  Winner."  A  Happy  Winter.  Doubtless.  Mr.  James 
in  England.  The  Blessed  Life  of  Entire  Consecration. 
The  Seventy-second  Milestone.     In  Sight  of  Home.        313-337 

Chapter  II.     The  Last  Year. 

A  Chinese  Sunday-school.  Christmas.  The  last  New  Year's 
Letter.  Labors  in  Bloomfield  and  New  York.  At  Ocean 
Grove.  Convention  of  Army  Workers.  Death  of  Dr. 
Palmer.  Excessive  Labors.  Kecollections  by  a  Friend. 
Counsels  to  Young  Christians.     Last  Visits.  .         338-351 

Chapter  III.     Translated. 

An  Accident.  The  Wall-Roll.  The  last  Tuesday  Meeting. 
"One  More  Day's  Work  for  Jesus."  Reminiscences  by 
Mrs.  Hughes.  The  Fellowship  of  Saints.  The  Closing 
Moments.  The  Services  in  New  York.  The  Funeral  in 
Trenton 352-360 

Chapter  IV.     Remembered. 

Funeral  Discourse  of  Rev.  Dr.  Stokes.  Tributes  of  Rev.  G. 
Hughes,  Mrs.  Wittenmyer,  and  Mrs.  Chandler.  Closing 
Words 361-388 


THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 


PART    FIRST. 
THE   CONSECRATED    MAIDEN. 


CHAPTEE  I. 

THE   BEGINNING. 

Eaely  in  the  year  seventeen  hundred  and  eighty-nine, 
Trenton,  the  capital  of  New  Jersey,  witnessed  an  occur- 
rence which  has  passed  into  history.  General  George 
"Washington,  who  had  just  been  chosen  first  President  of 
the  new  Republic,  was  on  his  way  to  New  York  city 
for  the  inauguration  ceremonies.  His  whole  journey 
was  a  triumphal  march,  but  nowhere  was  he  treated 
with  more  cordiality  than  in  Trenton,  the  scene  of  the 
first  decisive  victory  of  the  little  American  Army,  twelve 
years  before.  Young  ladies  from  leading  families  strewed 
his  path  with  flowers,  and  all  classes  delighted  to  do  him 
honor. 

On  the  clay  before  the  arrival  of  the  distinguished 
visitor  the  place  was  thronged  with  people,  eager  to  see 


2  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

the  preparations  for  his  reception,  and  especially  the 
triumphal  arch  under  which  he  was  to  pass.  In  the 
minds  of  two  who  that  day  met  under  this  arch  the 
event  came  to  be  associated  with  others,  of  little  import 
to  the  world  at  large,  but  of  romantic  interest  to  them. 
The  two  were  Benjamin  Yard,  a  young  carpenter,  at 
that  time  busily  engaged  upon  the  framework  of  the 
structure,  and  Miss  Priscilla  Keen,  one  of  the  many 
young  ladies  who  had  been  drawn  by  curiosity  from  the 
surrounding  country.  These  young  people,  met  for  the 
first  time  under  these  circumstances,  soon  formed  an  ac- 
quaintance which  subsequently  ripened  into  intimacy 
and  marriage. 

Eight  sons  had  been  successively  welcomed  to  the 
home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Yard,  but  not  until  August  7, 
1810,  were  their  hearts  gladdened  by  the  birth  of  a 
daughter.  It  is  the  life  story  of  the  child  then  born, 
Mary  Dagworthy,  only  daughter  of  Benjamin  and  Pris- 
cilla Yard,  which  is  narrated  in  the  following  pages. 

Mr.  Yard  was  a  man  scrupulously  honest  and  upright 
in  his  dealings,  gentle  and  loving  in  his  home,  and  pos- 
sessed of  many  excellencies  of  character.  The  esteem  in 
which  he  was  held  by  his  fellow-citizens  was  shown  by 
their  choice  of  him  as  captain  of  militia,  as  well  as  by 
his  being  called  to  other  positions  of  honor  and  trust. 
His  parents  had  been  members  of  the  "  Society  of 
Friends."  In  the  great  controversy  between  the  two 
divisions  of  Quakers,  Mr.  Yard  sided  with  the  followers 
of  Elias  Hicks.  His  religious  convictions,  however,  do 
not  seem  to  have  been  so  strong  that  they  could  not  be 
overborne  by  other  considerations,  for  he  forfeited  his 
membership  in  the  society  by  "marrying  out  of  meet- 
ing " — a  lady  not  a  Quaker. 


THE  BEGINNING.  3 

If  the  father  was  lacking  in  this  respect,  the  home  of 
Mary  Yard  was  not  destitute  of  positive  religious  influ- 
ences. Her  mother  had  been  brought  up  a  Baptist,  and 
was  a  most  conscientious,  God-fearing  woman.  Mrs. 
Yard  had  conceived  the  opinion  that  she  was  not  one 
of  "  the  elect,"  and  this  impression  kept  her  from  a  joy- 
giving  faith  in  Christ  as  her  personal  Savior,  but  did  not 
interfere  with  her  performance  of  the  external  duties  of 
religion.  She  was  a  most  affectionate  mother,  and  care- 
fully brought  up  her  children  in  the  fear  of  God,  dili- 
gently instructing  them  in  the  truths  of  His  Word. 

In  the  little  volume  entitled,  *  Mary  y  or,  the  Young 
Christian,  in  which  the  subject  of  this  memoir  details 
her  early  religious  experiences,  she  states  that  from  the 
first  moment  of  her  existence  her  mother  "  had  fervently 
prayed  that  she  might  be  a  child  of  God  and  an  heir 
of  heaven.  To  signify  her  solicitude  that  her  little  one 
might  choose  the  good  part  and  ever  sit  at  the  feet 
of  Jesus,  she  called  her  Mary."  It  is  added  that  "  her 
mother  was  continually  endeavoring  to  lead  her  youth- 
ful mind  to  heavenly  objects  and  instill  into  it  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  blessed  Gospel."  No  wonder  that  the  child, 
thus  instructed,  manifested  a  remarkable  interest  in  spir- 
itual things. 

She  asked  many  questions  concerning  her  accountability  to  God, 
the  state  of  the  glorified  in  heaven  and  the  lost  in  hell,  which  her 
superior  in  years  and  in  wisdom  could  not  satisfactorily  answer. 
Thus  left  in  the  dark  upon  subjects  which  she  deemed  of  vital 
importance,  she  would  retire  to  her  chamber,  and  strive,  by  her 
own  efforts,  to  solve  the  mysteries  which  perplexed  her,  and  im- 
plore the  Source  of  all  Wisdom  to  enlighten  her  mind  on  the  great 
truths  of  the  holy  Gospel,  whereby  she  might  discern  the  good  and 

*  Published  in  1S41  in  the  Sunday-school  and  Youths'  Library  of  the  Methodist 
Book  Concern,  but  now  out  of  print. 


4  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

the  right  way  of  the  Lord.  .  .  .  She  considered  the  Word  of 
God  as  infinitely  important,  and  in  reading  the  sacred  volume  her 
heart  was  often  much  affected,  and  she  earnestly  desired  to  com- 
prehend the  meaning  of  every  word. 

So  strong  was  the  hold  of  religious  sentiment  upon 
this  little  child  that  "when,  through  the  volatility  of 
her  disposition,  and  the  example  of  her  young  compan- 
ions, she  was  led  into  trifling  or  rude  behavior,  she  felt 
great  remorse  of  conscience,  and  wept  and  prayed  for 
hours  together,  fearing  she  had  offended  God."  She 
even  shunned  her  young  friends,  "  resolved  to  engage  no 
more  in  their  plays  and  amusements,  and  rejected  their 
invitations  to  join  them  in  their  little  parties,  lest  she 
should  bring  condemnation  to  her  soul  by  incurring  the 
divine  displeasure." 

.  It  might  be  expected  that  one  so  carefully  taught  in 
the  principles  of  religion,  so  sensitive  to  good  impres- 
sions, and,  from  her  earliest  infancy,  so  conscientious  in 
her  conduct,  would  enter  upon  a  Christian  experience 
and  life  without  passing  through  any  strongly  marked 
crisis  of  conversion.  This,  however,  was  far  from  being 
true  in  the  case  of  Mary  Yard. 

A  Methodist  church  had  been  built  just  across  the 
street  from  the  home  of  the  family.  In  the  services  at 
this  little  "  Bethesda,"  as  it  was  called,  some  of  the  fam- 
ily had  become  deeply  interested.  Edmund,*  one  of  the 
older  brothers,  had  found  Christ  and  united  with  this 
church,  and  the  mother  and  several  of  the  brothers  were 
frequent  attendants  there.  Soon  after  Mary  had  passed 
her  tenth   birthday  this  church  was  visited  with  a  re- 


*  The  account  of  his  experience  may  be  found  in  The  Soul  Winner,  a  memoir  of 
Edmund  J.  Yard,  by  his  sister, Mrs.  Mary  D.  James,  published  at  the  Methodist  Book 
Concern,  N.  Y. 


THE  BEGINNING.  5 

vival  of  religion,  under  the  labors  of  the  Rev.  Solomon 
Sharp.  In  the  special  revival  meetings  the  child  became 
deeply  interested. 

One  Sabbath  evening,  as  she  was  preparing  to  go  to  the  sanctu- 
ary of  the  Lord,  her  mother  said  to  her,  "  Mary,  there  are  so  many 
getting  religion  now,  I  think  it  is  high  time  for  you  to  begin  in 
earnest  to  seek  it. "  These  words  affected  Mary's  heart  much,  and 
she  that  moment  resolved  to  seek  more  earnestly  the  salvation  of 
her  soul,  and  to  rest  not  until  she  felt  that  she  was  accepted  of 
God  through  the  Beloved.  The  sermon  that  evening  was  deeply 
impressive  and  powerful  ;  every  word  seemed  as  if  spoken  to  her 
own  heart,  and  she  was  ready,  even  before  an  invitation  was  given, 
to  prostrate  herself  at  the  altar  as  an  humble  suppliant,  where  she 
hoped,  through  the  intercessions  of  the  people  of  God,  her  sins 
would  be  canceled  by  the  all-atoning  blood. 

When  the  invitation  was  given,  however,  the  place 
designated  for  penitents  was  speedily  rilled  and  the  child 
sat  still  in  her  place,  her  heart  deeply  stirred,  and  the 
tears  streaming  from  her  eyes. 

Seeing  her  emotion,  a  member  of  the  church,  approaching  her, 
said,  "My  little  girl,  are  you  seeking  Jesus  ?  "  She  replied,  "Yes, 
sir,  I  do  want  a  new  heart."  "Well,"  said  he,  "  Jesus  will  give  it 
to  you,  my  dear.  Would  you  like  to  go  to  the  altar  ?  "  "Yes,  sir," 
she  answered,  "  but  there  is  no  room  for  me."  "  Why,  bless  your 
little  heart,  you  shall  go  there  if  you  want  to  go,"  said  the  kind 
brother,  and,  taking  her  up  in  his  arms,  he  carried  her  through 
the  crowd  and  placed  her  at  the  altar.  She  continued  in  fervent 
prayer  till  a  late  hour  in  the  night,  but,  without  obtaining  the 
desire  of  her  heart,  left  the  spot  and  went  weeping  home.  Retir- 
ing to  her  chamber,  she  spent  most  of  the  night  in  sleepless  anxiety 
and  fervent  prayer. 

Encouraged  by  her  mother,  who  rejoiced  that  her  lit- 
tle Mary  had  thus  early  chosen  the  good  part,  she  con- 
tinued earnestly  seeking  the  assurance  of  God's  favor. 


6  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

On  the  following  Tuesday  evening,  February  18,  1821,  at  a 
prayer-meeting,  Mary  obtained  the  glorious  prize  for  which  she  had 
been  seeking  "three  days  sorrowing,"  namely,  the  remission  of  her 
sins,  justification  by  faith  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  whereby  she 
was  enabled  to  rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory. 

One  of  the  marked  features  of  the  progress  of  the 
Christian  Church  has  been  its  recognition  of  the  fact 
that  little  children  may  be  the  subjects  of  divine  grace. 
Sixty  years  ago  the  conversion  of  a  child  was  a  very  rare 
occurrence,  and  few  had  come  to  believe  it  possible  that 
a  little  girl  of  ten  years  could  have  a  genuine  Christian 
experience.  Mrs.  Yard  was  ready  to  believe  that  her 
"child  of  many  prayers"  had  indeed  accepted  Christ, 
but  the  heart  of  the  little  convert  was  deeply  pained,  a 
few  days  after  this  experience,  to  hear  her  venerable 
grandmother  say  to  her  mother : 

"I  have  heard  something  which  very  much  surprises  me.  It  is 
that  little  Mary  has  made  a  profession  of  religion.  And  I  am  the 
more  astonished  that  you  encourage  her  in  it,  for  I  am  sure  there 
can  be  nothing  real  or  lasting  in  it.  I  suppose  her  childish  feelings 
have  been  wrought  up  to  a  high  state  of  excitement  at  those  noisy 
meetings,  and  she  was  persuaded  that  she  had  religion.  But  who 
could  think  that  a  child  of  her  age  could  know  what  true  religion 
is  ?  No,  no;  there  is  nothing  in  it.  She  will  soon  show  that  there 
is  no  heart  work  about  it." 

The  child's  high  estimate  of  the  wisdom  of  her  grand- 
mother and  of  her  knowledge  in  spiritual  things  as  well, 
for  the  old  lady  was  an  honored  member  of  the  Baptist 
Church,  caused  these  words  to  come  to  her  young  heart 
with  cruel  power.  At  first  it  seemed  to  her  that  the 
grandmother  must  be  right  and  she  had  been  deceived. 
Doubtless  Satan  strove  to  strengthen  this  conviction. 
Happy  would  it  be  if  all  tempted  ones  would  take  the 
course  that  Mary  took. 


THE  BEGINNING.  7 

She  ran  up-stairs,  and  with  streaming  eyes  looked  up  to  heaven 
and  besought  the  Lord  that  He  would,  for  the  sake  of  Jesus 
Christ,  enlighten  her  mind  and  show  her,  by  the  direct  influence 
of  His  Spirit,  if  she  were  His  child.  She  had  scarcely  knelt  before 
such  a  flood  of  divine  light  and  love  and  joy  was  poured  into  her 
heart  that  she  was  quite  overwhelmed,  and  for  some  time  was 
scarcely  conscious  that  she  was  on  earth. 

"  The  Omnipotent  Himself  drew  nigh 
And  sealed  the  gift  Himself  had  given." 

He  spoke  to  her  heart  the  joyful  words,  "It  is  I,  be  not  afraid! 
Thou  art  indeed  My  child;  and  now  be  strong!  Fear  not;  though 
earth  and  hell  thy  way  oppose,  I  am  with  thee  to  defend  and  pre- 
serve thee.  Cleave  to  Me,  and  thou  shalt  be  secure."  Now,  indeed, 
her  joy  was  full,  for  she  felt  that  she  was  owned  and  blessed 
of  God.  She  could  no  more  doubt  the  genuineness  of  her  conver- 
sion than  her  natural  existence. 

The  influence  of  this  revelation  of  God  to  the  soul  of 
little  Mary  never  left  her.  She  was  made  to  realize  that 
all  about  her  were  snares  and  perils,  but  she  was  safe 
while  her  trust  was  in  the  Savior.  Often  has  the  writer 
heard  her  allude  to  that  experience,  and  she  would  always 
add  that,  not  very  long  after,  she  had  the  satisfaction  of 
hearing  her  grandmother  say  to  her  mother : 

"  After  all,  I  do  think  that  child  has  been  converted.  I  have  been 
watching  her  closely,  and  see  a  great  change  in  her  spirit  and  life." 

One  effect  of  this  trial  and  victory  may  have  been  to 
make  the  little  convert  more  careful,  watchful,  and  pray- 
erful. At  any  rate,  she  seems  thus  early  in  her  Christian 
life  to  have  formed  the  habit  of  very  often  lifting  her 
heart  to  God  in  such  a  prayer  as  :  "  O  keep  me  faithful ! 
O  help  me  every  moment  to  cleave  to  Thee,  and  enable 
me  to  resist  every  temptation."  Her  heart  was  contin- 
ually in  a  frame  of   devotion,   unwaveringly  fixed  on 


8  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

things  above,  and  ever  aspiring  to  the  Source  of  all  her 

What  a  grand  beginning  of  life!  Consecrated  to  God 
from  her  birth  by  a  praying  mother,  from  her  earliest  in- 
fancy carefully  taught  the  good  and  right  way,  clearly  and 
happily  converted  at  a  little  more  than  ten  years  of  age, 
and  entering  upon  a  Christian  life  with  a  deep  sense  of 
her  need  of  constant  help  from  Heaven,  and  with  a  habit 
of  praying  almost  literally  "  without  ceasing."  And  these 
words  describe  her  life  for  more  than  sixty  years.  Is  it 
too  much  to  say  that  that  life  was  "All  for  Jesus  "  ? 


CHAPTEE  II. 

THE   CHILD   AT   WORK. 

About  the  time  of  the  conversion  of  her  daughter, 
Mrs.  Yard's  religious  experience  became  more  satisfac- 
tory, and  she  had  become  so  attached  to  the  little  band 
of  Methodists  worshiping  at  the  "Bethesda"  that  she 
desired  to  unite  with  them.  If  her  husband  was  not  a 
very  ardent  Quaker,  he  was  strong  in  his  prejudices 
against  some  other  sects,  and  particularly  the  Method- 
ists. When  Mrs.  Yard  had  spoken  to  him  of  her  wish 
to  join  this  society,  he  had,  in  no  equivocal  terms,  ex- 
pressed his  opposition  to  such  a  course  on  her  part.  Now 
that  their  daughter,  always  the  pet  of  her  father,  had 
found  Christ,  the  child  very  earnestly  desired  to  unite 
with  the  people  of  God.  She  knew  the  difficulty  that 
might  be  in  her  way.     Let  her  tell  us  how  it  was  met. 

She  spoke  to  her  mother  in  reference  to  joining  the  church,  and 
her  reply  was :  "  I  am  quite  willing  for  you  to  do  so,  but  your  father 
will  not  consent."  Her  daughter  said:  "I  think  God  will  make 
father  willing.  I'll  pray  that  He  will."  Earnestly  did  she  ask  God 
to  influence  her  father's  heart.  Strong  in  the  faith  that  her  prayer 
would  be  answered,  she  approached  him,  and,  throwing  her  arms 
around  his  neck,  said:  "  Father,  won't  you  please  to  let  me  join  the 
Methodist  Church  ? "  He  seemed  surprised,  and  said:  "Why  do 
you  want  to  join  the  church  ?  "  She  replied:  "Because  I  want  to 
go  to  heaven,  and  I  think  it  will  help  me  to  get  there."  He  was 
silent  for  some  minutes,  and  his  little  daughter  was  praying,  "Lord, 
make  him  willing!  "  Looking  into  his  face  she  saw  tears  flowing 
from  his  eyes,  and,  tenderly  kissing  her,  he  replied:  "My  dear,  if 
1* 


10  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

it  will  do  you  any  good,  I  am  willing  you  should  connect  yourself 
with  the  church  of  your  choice."  After  Mary  had  obtained  his 
consent  for  her  to  join  the  church,  she  asked  for  the  same  privilege 
to  be  granted  to  her  mother.  Without  hesitation  it  was  given,  and 
mother  and  daughter  from  that  time  joyfully  worshiped  with  the 
devoted  band  of  Christians  whom  they  so  much  loved. 

Her  relation  to  the  church,  which  was  only  severed  by 
death,  was,  in  those  early  days,  greatly  helpful  to  the 
child  Christian.  Of  some  of  the  ways  in  which  she  was 
benefited  by  her  relation  to  that  little  band  she  thus 
writes  : 

There  were  some  of  God's  faithful  ones  who  took  the  feeble 
child  by  the  hand  and  helped  her  onward.  One  of  them,  an  aged 
class-leader,  always  had  a  loving  smile  and  a  kind  word  for  her. 
Placing  his  hand  upon  her  head  he  would  lift  his  eyes  heavenward, 
saying,  "God  bless  the  dear  child !  Mary  hath  chosen  that  good 
part  which  shall  never  be  taken  away  from  her."  That  little  heart 
was  strengthened,  and  she  went  on  her  way  rejoicing,  after  such  a 
benediction.  Several  others  of  the  leading  members  of  the  church 
soon  became  interested  in  the  young  Christian,  and  often  spoke  en- 
couraging words  to  her. 

Is  there  not  a  suggestion  for  many  just  here?  It  is 
not  unusual  in  a  time  of  special  interest  for  Christians  to 
labor  to  bring  souls  to  Christ,  but  how  many  take  the 
same  pains  to  build  them  up  in  the  faith  of  the  Gospel  ? 
To  the  writer  it  has  been  one  of  his  saddest  experiences 
in  the  Christian  ministry  to  see  how  generally  church- 
members  seem  to  leave  young  converts  to  get  along  as 
they  can,  with  rarely  a  word  of  cheer  or  help,  and  almost 
never  a  kind  inquiry  after  their  spiritual  welfare.  In 
many  a  case  such  a  word  at  the  right  moment  might 
have  saved  one  from  backsliding  and  given  a  new,  strong 
impulse  in  the  heavenward  way.     Doubtless  those  words 


THE  CHILD  AT   WORK.  11 

in  season  to  little  Mary  had  much  to  do  with  the  rapid 
progress  she  made  from  the  very  beginning  of  her 
course. 

To  this  child,  as  to  tens  of  thousands,  the  class-meeting 
proved  helpful. 

Her  class-leader  took  special  pains  in  giving  her  faithful  instruc- 
tions and  watching  over  her  in  love.  The  class-room  was  the  gate 
of  heaven  to  her  soul,  and  she  always  looked  forward  to  its  sacred 
privileges  with  delight,  not  allowing  any  engagement  to  interfere 
with  the  duty  of  attending  class. 

The  prayer-meeting,  too,  had  strong  attractions,  and  afforded 
great  encouragement  and  strength  in  her  upward  journey.  It 
seemed  strange  that  a  child  so  young  should  be  called  upon  to  lead 
in  prayer,  yet  Mary  was  often  asked  to  do  so  in  the  small  social 
prayer-meetings.  To  this  her  mother  felt  an  objection  which  she 
expressed.  It  appeared  to  her  wrong  to  lay  so  heavy  a  burden  on 
one  so  weak.  ...  In  consequence  of  her  mother's  objection  the 
child  thought,  at  first,  that  she  might  be  excused  ;  but,  on  making 
it  a  subject  of  prayer,  felt  that  it  was  her  duty  to  pray  when  called 
upon,  and  stating  this  conviction  to  her  mother,  the  latter  allowed 
the  child  to  act  according  to  her  sense  of  duty.  In  attempting  to 
lead  in  prayer,  or  to  speak  as  a  witness  for  Jesus,  she  would  tremble 
from  timidity  and  conscious  weakness,  but,  remembering  the  prom- 
ises of  help  from  above,  she  would  look  to  the  Strong  for  strength, 
and  always  felt  that  she  had  divine  aid,  and  that  she  gained  an 
increase  of  grace  every  time  she  lifted  the  cross. 

The  little  heart  so  overflowed  with  joy  and  so  yearned 
that  others  might  share  this  joy  that  Mary  could  not  be 
content  with  working  in  the  ordinary  lines.  She  soon 
began  to  speak  personally  with  her  schoolmates  and  other 
children,  telling  them,  in  her  simple,  child-like  way,  of  the 
joy  she  found  in  the  love  of  Jesus,  and  inviting  them, 
often  with  tears  and  earnest  entreaties,  to  begin  at  once 
to  seek  God.  Nor  were  these  efforts  in  vain.  Mary  had 
the  satisfaction  of  seeing  some  of  her  associates  start  with 


12  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

her  heavenward.  With  such  she  loved  to  talk  of  .their 
religious  experiences.  Sometimes  she  held  little  prayer- 
meetings  with  these  children,  and  they  were  seasons  of 
refreshing  to  them  as  well  as  to  the  young  leader. 

An  incident  of  those  early  school-days  is  thus  narrated : 

One  day  the  teacher,  having  occasion  to  be  absent  from  the 
school  for  an  hour,  left  Mary  as  "monitor."  Following  the  teacher 
to  the  door,  she  asked"  permission  to  talk  with  the  girls  on  the  in- 
terests of  their  souls  and  have  prayer  with  them.  No  objection 
being  made,  she  spoke  to  them  of  the  importance  of  giving  their 
hearts  to  Christ,  telling  them  of  her  own  happiness  in  His  service. 
At  first,  some  of  them  laughed  and  ridiculed  her  earnest  appeal,  but 
soon  their  levity  gave  place  to  tears.  Then  she  asked  if  she  should 
pray  for  them.  All  knelt  as  she  poured  out  -  her  soul  in  prayer, 
while  sobs  and  groans  were  heard  from  many  contrite  ones.  The 
teacher,  returning,  found  them  still  bowed  in  prayer,  and  rejoiced 
to  find  that  the  hour  had  been  so  well  spent.  Several  souls  were 
added  to  the  circle  of  little  Christians  as  the  result  of  that  hour  of 
prayer. 

One  method  of  working  for  the  Master  Mary  loved  was 
unique.  It  was  to  use  the  time  allotted  for  "  recess  "  in 
talking  with  or  writing  little  letters  to  her  young  friends. 
If  such  a  course  interfered  with  the  physical  advantages 
to  be  secured  by  play-spells  in  the  midst  of  study  hours, 
and  therefore  is  not  to  be  commended  for  imitation  to 
children  of  to-day,  it  proved  in  this  case  to  have  been  ac- 
ceptable to  God,  who  was  pleased  to  bless  this  kind  of 
effort  to  win  souls. 

One  day,  while  sitting  at  her  desk  writing  a  note,  her  teacher 
came  to  her  and  said  :  "Mary,  why  don't  you  go  out  with  the  rest 
and  enjoy  the  recess  ?  "  She  replied  :  "I  don't  desire  to  play  ;  I 
prefer  to  spend  the  time  in  writing."  He  said  :  "Won't  you  let 
me  see  what  you  have  been  writing  ?  "  She  replied  :  "It  is  not  fit 
for  you  to  read — it  is  only  a  little  note  to  one  of  the  girls."  He 
urged  her  to  allow  him  to  read  it,  and  she  consented.     As  he  read 


THE  CHILD  AT  WORK.  13 

the  earnest  invitation  to  her  young  friend  to  come  and  taste  with 
her  the  joys  of  salvation,  tears  flowed  from  his  eyes.  He  took  the 
hand  of  his  little  pupil,  and  pressing  it  to  his  lips,  he  said  :  "My 
dear  Mary,  won't  you  teach  me  how  to  come  to  Jesus  ? "  Aston- 
ished that  her  teacher  should  make  such  a  request,  she  replied  : 
"O  sir,  I  am  too  young  to  teach  a  gentleman  like  you."  "No," 
he  said,  "  you  are  not  too  young.  I  am  sorry  to  say  I  am  ignorant 
of  the  way  of  salvation,  but  you  know  it  and  can  teach  me.  Tell 
me  how  you  found  Jesus  ? "  Then,  lifting  her  heart  in  prayer  for 
divine  aid,  she  commenced  to  tell  the  blessed  story.  Listening 
with  deepest  interest  until  the  time  came  for  the  children  to  come 
in,  he  said:  "  I  will  hear  the  rest  another  time." 

Soon  after,  the  opportunity  was  found  to  resume  the 
conversation.  It  brought  from  the  teacher  an  earnest 
request  for  prayers  in  his  behalf,  with  the  promise  that 
he  would  seek  with  all  his  heart  "  the  pearl  of  great 
price."  It  was  not  long  before  the  delighted  scholar 
could  call  her  teacher  "  brother  in  Christ."  He  became 
a  member,  and  was  for  many  years  an  elder,  in  a  Presby- 
terian church  in  Trenton.  The  Christian  friendship  then 
commenced  continued  until  the  teacher  passed  away  from 
earth. 

If  the  young  student's  notions  in  regard  to  engaging 
with  her  schoolmates  in  their  games  and  recreations  were 
extreme,  and  tended  to  prevent  physical  development, 
their  influence  in  helping  her  to  resist  the  temptations  of 
youth  was  salutary.  She  was  careful,  however,  not  to 
let  religious  exercises  interfere  with  her  school  duties.  In- 
deed, she  sought  and  obtained  help  in  study  from  her 
Best  Friend,  and  thus  early  learned  that  Jesus  is  inter- 
ested in  every  matter  that  concerns  one  who  is  trying  to 
serve  Him.  Her  experiences  of  this  kind  were  often  al- 
luded to  in  urging  boys  and  girls  to  form  right  habits  at 
the  beginning  of  life. 


CHAPTER  III. 

LIFE   MOKE   ABUNDANT. 

Not  many  months  after  Mary  Yard  was  received  to 
church  fellowship,  the  Eev.  Solomon  Sharp,  who  had 
been  her  pastor,  was  removed,  in  accordance  with  the 
usages  of  his  denomination,  to  another  field  of  labor. 
The  spirit  of  the  true  shepherd  of  souls,  which  prompted 
him  to  careful  watch  over  this  lamb  of  the  fold,  moved 
him  to  say  to  his  successor,  "  Take  good  care  of  little 
Mary."  It  would  have  been  hard  to  find  one  better 
adapted  to  such  a  work  than  the  Rev.  Joseph  Lybrand, 
who  now  entered  upon  the  pastorate  of  the  Trenton 
church. 

Immediately  on  his  arrival,  he  inquired  after  the  little  one 
that  had  been  committed  to  his  care.  He  met  her  with  a  most 
cordial  greeting.  His  heavenly  countenance  and  benignant  smile 
made  her  think  of  Jesus.  .  .  .  But  few  days  passed  during  his 
pastorate  without  his  seeing  her.  To  his  counsels,  instructions, 
and  prayers  she  was  indebted  under  God  for  her  rapid  growth  in 
grace  in  that  early  period  of  her  Christian  life,  and  the  blessed 
results  through  all  the  subsequent  years.  Indeed,  she  always  spoke 
of  Mr.  Lybrand  as  "the  chief  instrument  in  her  salvation." 

So  clearly  did  he  present  the  privilege  and  duty  of  believers  to  I 
be  cleansed  from  all  sin,  to  walk  in  the  constant  light  of  the  Re- 
deemer's countenance,  aud  have  the  testimony  that  they  please 
God;  and  so  plain,  so  scriptural,  were  his  arguments  and  so  full 
of  the  Holy  Ghost  his  appeals,  that  the  church  could  not  fail  to 
see  the  divine  requirement  and  feel  the  hallowed  power  of  gospel 
truth.     Speaking  from  the  fullness  of  his  own  heart  in  its  rich 


LIFE  MORE  ABUNDANT.  15 

experience  of  the  great  salvation,  his  seraphic  countenance  show- 
ing the  blessedness  of  the  indwelling  Holy  Spirit,  he  drew  many 
hearts  to  a  closer  walk  with  Jesus,  and  raised  the  church  to  a  much 
more  elevated  experience. 

To  these  glowing  presentations  of  the  glorious  things  of  the 
kingdom  of  God,  little  Mary  listened  with  deep  and  increasing 
interest.  From  the  beginning  of  her  Christian  experience  it  had 
been  her  strongest  desire  to  be  a  decided,  devoted  follower  of 
Jesus  and  to  enjoy  all  that  was  her  privilege.  Feeling  sometimes 
the  risings  of  evil  in  her  heart,  though  kept  by  grace  from  yielding 
to  its  power,  she  longed  intensely  to  be  entirely  free  in  Christ,  and 
to  have  all  the  powers  of  her  being  under  the  complete  control  of 
His  love. 

Had  the  richest  jewels  of  earth  been  placed  before  her  in  pro- 
fusion, she  would  not  have  grasped  them  with  the  eagerness  which 
she  manifested  in  claiming  the  pearl  of  perfect  love.  So  sweet  to  her 
heart  had  been  her  experience  thus  far  in  the  Christian  life,  that 
the  prospect  of  greater  enjoyments,  in  close  intimacy  with  Jesus, 
absorbed  her  whole  soul,  and  she  reached  forward  to  grasp  the 
priceless  treasure. 

The  spirit  in  which  Mary  Yard  pursued  the  higher 
experiences  of  grace  is  described  in  a  letter  written  Feb- 
ruary 22,  1840,  to  her  life-long  friend,  Miss  Anna  E. 
Rogers,  of  Medford,  N.  J.,  now  Mrs.  Dr.  Harlow,  of 
Philadelphia.     Of  this  grace  she  says  : 

I  obtained  it  by  making  a  full  and  unreserved  surrender  of 
myself  to  God,  resolving  to  live  henceforth  not  unto  myself,  but 
"unto  Him  who  died  for  me  and  rose  again,"  to  "crucify  the  flesh 
with  its  affections  and  lusts,"  to  be  "not  conformed  to  this  world," 
but  to  be  "transformed  by  the  renewing  of  my  mind,"  to  "  reckon 
myself  dead  indeed  unto  sin,  but  alive  unto  God  through  our  Lord 
Jesus  Christ." 

She  writes  in  her  diary  : 

January  8,  1823. — This  day  my  soul  pants  after  God  "as  the 
hart  panteth  after  the  water-brook."     I  thirst  for  full  redemption 


10  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

in  the  blood  of  the  Lamb.  O  Jesus  !  give  me  power  to  lay  hold 
of  Thy  promises  by  faith !  I  cannot  rest  till  I  am  wholly  sanctified. 
Satan  tells  me  that  I  must  not  expect  the  blessing  yet ;  that  I  must 
fast  and  pray  more  and  struggle  longer,  but  Jesus  tells  me  now, 
now  is  the  time.  That  I  must  look  to  Him  and  to  Him  only,  not  so 
much  to  the  means ;  that  it  is  through  His  merits  alone  that  I  am  to 
receive  the  blessing. 

In  this  spirit  of  complete  consecration,  intense  desire, 
and  appropriating  faith,  Mar}^  Yard  attended  a  prayer- 
meeting.  During  its  progress  she  was  requested  to  lead 
in  prayer  and  "  was  strongly  tempted  to  refuse."  In 
the  account  above  quoted,  she  says : 

As  the  leader  of  the  meeting  said  the  second  time,  "Pray, 
sister  Mary,  God  will  help  you,"  she  looked  up  to  Jesus,  casting 
herself  upon  Him,  and  began  her  supplication.  Having  uttered 
only  a  sentence  or  two,  her  spirit  was  caught  up  into  the  Infinite 
Presence,  and  for  more  than  an  hour  she  was  talking  with  Jesus 
face  to  face,  unconscious  of  all  earthly  things.  Her  body  was 
prostrated  as  if  lifeless.  It  was  during  that  memorable  hour  that 
the  all-cleansing  blood  was  applied  and  her  heart  was  made  pure. 

Two  clays  later  than  the  above  entry,  her  diary  con- 
tains the  following : 

Glory  to  God  in  the  highest!  He  has  heard  and  answered 
my  prayers,  and  this  night  my  soul  rejoices  in  that  perfect  love 
which  casteth  out  fear.  Oh,  how  happy  I  am  !  Where  shall  I  be- 
gin to  praise  my  Savior  for  His  goodness  to  me  ?  He  has  brought 
me  to  enjoy  so  much  of  His  love  even  while  in  my  childhood.  Oh, 
may  I  grow  up  to  be  a  pattern  of  piety  and  a  pillar  in  the  Church 
of  God,  and  when  I  leave  this  world,  go  to  the  realms  above,  where 
I  shall  have  nothing  to  do  but  to  love  and  serve  my  God  forever  ! 
It  is  now  more  than  a  year  since  I  enlisted  under  the  banner  of 
Jesus,  and  He  has  kept  me  by  His  power  until  this  time.  I  have 
had  many  temptations  and  trials,  and  sometimes  have  not  lived  as 
near  to  God  as  I  ought  to  have  done,  but,  blessed  be  His  dear 
name,  He  has  upheld  me  by  His  gracious  hand,  and  I  am  at  this 


LIFE  MORE  ABUNDANT.  17 

moment  a  •witness  that  His  precious  blood  cleanseth  from  all  sin. 
O  praise  the  Lord  for  what  I  feel  in  my  soul  !  I  would  not  ex- 
change it  for  ten  thousand  such  worlds  as  this. 

Lest  some  reader  should  misapprehend  the  meaning  of 
these  statements,  an  explanation  may  be  in  place  just 
here.  Mary  Yard  never  professed  to  be  "sinless,"  or 
"  holy,"  or  "  perfect."  If  she  ever  applied  either  of  these 
terms  to  herself,  her  son,  whose  memory  recalls  more 
than  forty  years  of  her  life  and  innumerable  allusions 
with  tongue  and  pen  to  her  Christian  experience,  never 
knew  of  her  doing  so.  She  had  no  thought  that  in  that 
blissful  hour  the  child  of  a  dozen  years  attained  a  per- 
fection beyond  which  she  could  not  advance.  To  her 
latest  moment  she  was  ever  reaching  after  greater  at- 
tainments in  the  divine  life.  Of  human  defects,  in- 
volving errors  in  judgment  and  in  life,  she  was  always 
painfully  conscious.  Certainly  she  did  not  imagine  tnat 
any  spiritual  uplift  placed  her  in  a  position  from  which 
she  might  not,  by  yielding  to  temptation,  fall  into  sin. 
No  one  could  have  been  more  self -distrustful  or  more 
carefully  and  jealously  watchful  against  the  tempta- 
tion which  she  felt  to  be  always  near.  What,  then, 
was  the  higher  experience  into  which  this  girl  of  twelve 
years  came? 

In  response  to  her  unreserved  consecration  and  trust, 
the  Divine  Being  took  possession  of  her  whole  nature  and 
held  it  against  all  foes.  She  was  consciously  saved  from 
willing  to  do  wrong.  All  her  faculties  were  filled  with 
God  and  absorbed  in  loving  service  to  Him. 

Some  years  later,  this  experience  was  described  some- 
what in  detail  in  a  letter  dated  December  24,  1831,  ad- 
dressed to  a  friend-  much  her  senior  in  years,  and  a 

*  The  Rev.  John  J.  Matthias. 


18  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

minister  of  the  Gospel,  who  had  written  to  this  young 
disciple  of  Jesus,  asking  some  questions  in  regard  to  her 
experience. 

You  ask  me  concerning  the  time  and  circumstances  of  my  re- 
ceiving the  blessing  of  perfect  love. 

After  the  quotations  from  her  diary  above  cited,  she 
continues : 

Well  do  I  remember  that  blissful  night  when  that  glorious 
change  passed  upon  my  soul,  and  how  my  little  heart  was  filled  un- 
utterably full  of  glory  and  of  God.  To  describe  the  difference  be- 
tween my  feelings  at  the  time  of  my  justification  and  sanctification 
would  be  impossible.  Indeed,  I  believe  that  sanctification  is  but 
the  extension  or  fullness  of  the  former  blessing,  as  the  brightness 
of  meridian  splendor  compared  to  the  dawn  of  morning.  But 
my  friend  will  say  that  the  use  of  this  illustration  would  seem  to 
imply  a  state  of  gradual  progression,  not  an  instantaneous  change. 
True,  but  it  appears  to  me  a  just  illustration  notwithstanding,  and 
the  best  which  now  strikes  my  mind.  There  must  indeed  be  a 
progression,  a  going  onward  to  perfection  from  justification ;  but  is 
there  not  a  period,  a  moment  of  time,  when  the  sun  reaches  the  ze- 
nith or  meridian  of  its  glory  ?  So  also  there  is  a  time  when  the 
soul  arrives  at  the  full  measure  of  divine  love.  The  time  required 
to  perform  this  spiritual  race  depends  upon  the  degree  of  swiftness 
with  which  we  pursue  it.  The  more  rapidly  we  run  the  sooner 
we  shall  gain  the  prize.  But  the  figure  of  the  sun  will  not  hold 
good  any  further  than  its  meridian  state,  for  the  Christian,  having 
reached  the  fullness  of  perfect  love,  still  goes  onward.  "  Higher 
mounts  his  soul  and  higher,"  his  capacities  enlarge,  and  he  abounds 
in  love  yet  more  and  more. 

These  statements  are  corroborated  in  the  letter  to  Miss 
Rogers,  above  quoted.  Let  it  be  borne  in  mind  that  this 
was  written  nearly  twenty  years  after  the  experience  it 
recounts,  and  to  a  confidential  friend. 

From  that  blessed  hour  my  peace  has  been  as  a  river  and  my 


LIFE   MORE  ABUNDANT.  19 

whole  soul  has  been  absorbed  in  things  heavenly  and  divine.  I 
have  no  other  will  but  to  do  the  will  of  God.  No  other  desire  but 
to  work  and  speak  and  think  for  Him.  No  other  purpose  or  ob- 
ject or  aim  but  to  please  Him  in  all  things.  The  thought  of  offend- 
ing Him  is  more  dreadful  to  me  than  to  suffer  death  in  its  most 
terrific  form.  To  be  burnt  at  the  stake  would  be  infinitely  prefer- 
able to  an  act  that  would  offend  my  adorable  Lord,  to  whom  I 
have  consecrated  "all  my  soul  and  body's  powers;"  yes,  "all  I 
know,  and  all  I  feel  ;  "  "  all  I  have,  and  all  I  am." 

Let  it  not  be  imagined  that  this  "  life  more  abundant " 
which  Mary  Yard  received  in  that  "ever-memorable 
hour"  in  January,  1823,  was  of  the  nature  of  a  "bless- 
ing" imparted  once  for  all  in  a  sense  that  involved  no 
further  effort  on  her  own  part.  His  recent  careful,  pro- 
tracted study  of  the  character  and  writings  of  the  sub- 
ject of  this  memoir  has  impressed  her  son  more  deeply 
than  ever  that  hers  was  a  life  of  full  consecration 
and  trust,  continually  maintained,  in  response  to  which 
the  divine  grace  was  constantly  given.  It  was  the  habit 
of  her  soul,  as  spontaneous  as  the  involuntary  action  of 
lungs  or  heart,  to  give  all  to  Christ  and  receive  Him  by 
faith  in  the  fullness  of  His  power. 

Some  may  imagine  that  by  a  divine  act  of  "entire 
sanctification  "  they  are  to  be  relieved  from  further  re- 
sponsibility, and  borne,  as  on  angels'  wings,  above  the 
reach  of  temptations  and  adverse  influences.  Mary  Yard 
did  not  find  it  so.  In  her  counsels  to  others  she  continu- 
ally insisted  upon  daily,  complete  self-abandonment  to 
Jesus.  This  was  the  marked  characteristic  of  her  own 
experience  and  life. 

In  another  letter  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Matthias,  the  secret 
of  her  abiding  peace  is  thus  revealed : 

It  is  by  prayer  without  ceasing.     I  mean  an  unremitting  spirit 


20  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

of  prayer,  a  supplicating  frame  of  mind,  a  continual  looking  heav- 
enward, a  constant  denying  of  self,  an  entire  dependence  upon 
God.  I  am  more  and  more  persuaded  that  our  advancement  in 
holiness  depends  greatly  upon  a  continual  denying  of  self,  and  that 
just  in  proportion  as  we  crucify  self  and  relinquish  our  own  will, 
will  the  grace  of  God  live  and  grow  in  us.  How  delightful  that 
state  in  which  one  can  say,  "It  is  no  longer  I  that  live,"  but  Christ 
that  "liveth  in  me."  We  realize  that  we  are  nothing,  we  have 
nothing,  can  do  nothing.  "  Christ  is  all  and  in  all."  I  have  always 
felt  myself  to  be  the  weakest  of  the  weak,  never  have  I  so  clearly 
discerned  my  utter  nothingness.  .  .  .  But  I  realize  most 
sweetly  that  the  God  in  whom  I  trust  "  giveth  power  to  the  faint, 
and  to  him  that  hath  no  might  He  increaseth  strength." 

These  details  are  given  to  emphasize  the  fact,  ever 
clear  to  the  mind  of  this  well-taught  child  of  God,  that 
all  spiritual  life  is  in  Chkist  and  is  received  directly  from 
Him  a  moment  at  a  time,  and  that  this  life  can  be  main- 
tained only  by  unintermitting,  appropriating  faith. 

"Without  assuming  or  professing  any  superior  sanctity, 
Mary  Yard  did,  from  the  time  of  the  experience  above 
described,  confess  with  gladness  and  gratitude,  yet  with 
deep  humility,  that  Jesus  fully  saved  and  kept  her  mo- 
ment by  moment.  It  is  stated  in  Fifty  Years'  Walk  with 
Jesus,  that 

In  her  testimonies  she  spoke  of  loving  God  with  all  her  heart,  of 
having  a  single  eye,  desiring  above  all  things  God's  glory,  and  aim- 
ing constantly  to  please  Him ;  of  continual  communion  with  Jesus 
and  consciously  resting  beneath  His  loving  smiles;  of  the  guidance 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  of  unwavering  trust  in  God,  of  entire  submis- 
sion to  His  will  in  all  things,  and  even  of  rejoicing  in  tribulation 
also,  as  a  wise  and  gracious  discipline  which  was  needed  to  fit  her 
more  fully  to  do  God's  will  and  glorify  His  name. 

That  it  is  possible  to  have  the  whole  current  of  our  being  turned 
toward  God,  all  the  desires,  affections,  and  tendencies  of  the  soul 
turned  heavenward  instead  of  earthward,  and  to  have  such  delight 


LIFE  MORE  ABUNDANT.  21 

in  God  that  .ill  creature  good  seems  as  utter  nothingness  compared 
with  His  love,  has  been  the  blissful  experience,  for  more  than  half  a 
century,  of  one  who  loves  to  magnify  the  grace  contained  in  a  weak 
earthen  vessel. 

All  this  time  this  was  the  testimony  of  this  child  of 
God.  Yet  nothing  could  have  been  farther  from  her 
than  the  thought  that  she  was  a  favorite  daughter  of 
Heaven,  or  the  recipient  of  gifts  above  the  reach  of  ordi- 
nary mortals.  Her  joy  in  the  possession  of  this  grace 
scarcely  exceeded  that  of  offering  to  all,  in  Jesus'  name, 
the  same  priceless  treasure. 

With  any  reader  who  questions  the  propriety  of  apply- 
ing such  terms  as  "perfect  love"  to  the  spiritual  condi- 
tion into  wdiich  Mary  Yard  entered  at  this  time,  the 
writer  of  this  volume  has  no  controversy.  His  object  is 
not  to  defend  a  doctrine  but  to  give  the  facts  of  a  life. 
So  far  as  those  facts  manifest  the  power  of  divine  grace 
let  God  have  all  praise.  If  they  shall  also  show  that  this 
grace  came  in  response  to  unreserved  surrender  and  trust 
on  the  part  of  this  little  child,  and  continued  its  glorious 
work  while  the  consecration  and  faith  were  maintained, 
through  threescore  years,  they  may  throw  light  upon 
the  question  most  important  for  every  human  being, 
"  How  shall  I  secure  the  fullness  of  grace  ?  " 


CHAPTEE    IV. 

PERSONAL   TRAITS. 

What  would  not  the  writer  of  these  pages  give  for  a 
photograph  of  Mary  Yard  as  she  appeared  in  her  school- 
days ?  In  the  absence  of  such  a  picture,  he  is  especially 
indebted  to  the  Reverend,  and  now  very  venerable,  Jo- 
seph Holdich,  D.D.,  for  the  following  pen-portrait,  given 
in  a  letter  dated  February  26,  1884.  Not  often  do  the 
features  of  a  parishioner  so  fix  themselves  in  the  mind 
of  a  pastor  as  to  remain  nearly  threescore  years.  The 
words  are  few,  but  the  picture  is  remarkably  vivid. 

"  She  was  slight  in  figure,  of  pleasing  countenance,  agreeable  feat- 
ures, and  remarkably  fine  eyes,  large,  lustrous,  and  expressive.  In 
her  dress  she  was  plain  and  simple." 

With  the  portrait  in  this  volume,  engraved  by  a  gen- 
tleman familiar  with  the  face  he  has  so  well  reproduced, 
and  this  description,  one  can  almost  see  the  maiden  as  she 
stood  before  her  new  pastor  in  1829.  The  chief  change  is 
in  the  hair,  then  dark,  now  bleached  by  seventy  years.  The 
dress,  of  almost  Quaker  plainness,  will  not  be  forgotten 
by  any  who  saw  its  wearer.     Dr.  Holdich  remarks  that : 

"Some  of  her  gay  friends  at  one  time  urged  her  to  dress  more 
fashionably,  but  she  was  so  little  satisfied  with  her  new  costume 
that  she  soon  laid  it  aside  and  returned  to  her  former  neatness  and 
simplicity,  from  which  she  never  afterward  departed." 

In  Fifty  Years'  Walk  with  Jesus  a  more  detailed  ac- 


PERSONAL   TRAITS.  23 

count  of  this  episode  is  given.  The  felt  loss  to  her  piety 
caused  the  return  to  the  style  originally  adopted  from 
conscientious  motives.  To  her  mind  there  was,  on  the 
one  hand,  the  almost  constant  thought  in  regard  to  dress 
necessary  to  keep  up  with  the  ever-changing  fashions,  the 
vast  amount  of  time  and  labor  required  to  provide  a  sup- 
ply of  clothing  "  in  style,"  the  waste  of  garments,  com- 
fortable, but  out  of  date,  and  the  temptation  to  vanity. 
On  the  other  hand  was  perfect  neatness,  attire  really 
becoming,  with  a  vast  saving  of  time  for  pursuits  more 
congenial,  as  well  as  more  important.  Taking  into  the 
account  the  long  life  and  the  many  hours  and  dollars  de- 
voted to  God's  work,  which  even  ordinary  attention  to 
matters  of  fashion  would  have  diverted  into  a  different 
channel,  does  any  one  doubt  that,  for  Mary  Yard,  this 
was  the  wisest  course  ?  May  there  not  be  just  here  the 
suggestion  of  at  least  a  partial  solution  of  the  question  so 
often  asked  by  Christian  women  with  apparent  sincerity, 
"  How  can  we  get  time  and  money  for  Christian  work?" 

So  much  for  the  visible  "  little  Mary."  Her  inner  nat- 
ure can  scarcely  be  described  in  a  few  words,  yet  a  sketch 
of  her  mental  characteristics  seems  to  be  desirable. 

The  perceptive  faculties  were  keen  and  ever  active  and 
the  imagination  exuberant.  She  was  almost  morbidly 
sensitive.  To  live  was  to  be  continually  receiving  im- 
pressions. A  retentive  memory  held  her  acquisitions  and 
impressions  subject  to  her  call.  Her  ardent  affections 
and  tender  sympathies  went  out  toward  every  human  be- 
ing in  self-sacrificing  efforts  to  do  good  to  all  within  her 
reach,  while  a  ready  command  of  words  and  a  "  personal 
magnetism,"  a  combination  of  winning  gentleness  and 
fervor,  gave  her  rare  power  over  those  to  whom  she 
spoke,  whether  in  conversation  or  in  social  religious  meet- 


24  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

ings.  The  reasoning  faculty,  if  not  so  strongly  mani- 
fested as  the  powers  of  perception  and  expression,  was 
well  developed.  Her  conscience  was  "  quick  as  the  apple 
of  an  eye."  Then  there  was  a  guilelessness,  a  transpar- 
ency of  character,  which  made  her  seem  almost  out  of 
place  in  this  world  of  shams  and  conventionalities.  Add 
the  deep,  intense  spirituality  which,  like  an  atmosphere, 
pervaded  and  well-nigh  etherealized  her  whole  life,  im- 
pressing all  whom  that  life  touched,  and  we  have  a  toler- 
ably correct  view  of  the  real  Mary  Yard. 

Let  it  not  be  supposed  that  her  natural  disposition 
was  faultless.  But  for  the  transforming  grace  of  God, 
so  early,  so  constantly,  and  so  thoroughly  applied,  am- 
bition and  love  of  admiration,  combined  with  an  indomi- 
table will  and  energy,  would  have  produced  a  character 
and  history  far  different  from  that  which  will  appear  in 
these  pages. 

The  imagination  of  the  subject  of  this  memoir  has 
been  spoken  of  as  exuberant.  One  not  conversant  with 
her  daily  life  can  hardly  be  made  to  understand  how 
much  of  that  life  was  in  the  realm  of  the  imaginary. 
Not  only  did  fancy  cause  every  passing  event  to  appear 
to  her  in  colors  of  undue  strength,  but  the  future  was 
used  as  a  canvas  upon  which  was  continually  painted 
possible  occurrences  with  all  the  vividness  of  the  actual. 
Her  letters  to  confidential  friends  record  numberless  in- 
stances in  which  soul-harrowing  details  of  what  might  be 
of  suffering  were  suggested  to  this  child  of  fancy,  and 
she  was  made  to  feel  such  anguish  as  could  scarcely  have 
been  exceeded  if  the  circumstances  thus  conjured  before 
her  had  been  real  instead  of  purely  imaginary. 

It  is  not  too  much  to  say  that  this  mental  peculiarity 
doubled  the  experiences  of  the  life  we  are  contemplating. 


PERSONAL   TRAITS.  25 

HThe  question,  "  What  would  you  do,  if  this  or  that  should 
ake  place  ? "  would  not  be  banished  without  an  answer 
.ull  enough  to  meet  the  demands  of  actual  occurrences. 
"Early  in  life  Mary  Yard  learned  just  how  to  meet  such 
expected  trials.  She  would  always  take  refuge  in  the 
outstretched  arms  of  Omnipotence.  Yet  the  preparation 
for  the  anticipated  experience  must  be  repeated  with 
each  new  possibility.  In  this  way,  imaginary  conflicts 
resulted  in  real  victories.  Without  the  faith  which 
brought  assurance  of  strength,  her  imagination  would 
have  made  her  one  of  the  most  wretched  of  mortals. 
"With  this  faith,  though  the  wings  of  fancy  were  neither 
bound  nor  clipped,  and  often  bore  her  to  regions  of  hor- 
rible darkness,  they  never  were -folded  there,  but  bore  her 
on  through  the  gloom  to  brighter  light  beyond.  In  this 
way  an  imagination  overwrought  to  the  verge  of  mor- 
bidness was  sanctified  and  made  to  yield  unutterable  joys 
and  great  spiritual  blessings. 

One  other  feature  of  the  portrait  we  are  examining 
deserves  attention.  Mary  Yard  evinced,  even  in  child- 
hood, rare  strength  of  character.  One  casually  meeting 
the  frail  little  woman,  so  ardent,  yet  so  full  of  gentleness, 
would  not  expect  to  find  in  her  energy,  courage,  persis- 
tency, force  that  a  strong  man  might  envy.  Yet,  when 
principle  was  involved,  she  was  ready  to  stand  as  firm  as 
a  rock,  and  even  to  "  contend  earnestly  "  for  truth  and 
right. 

For  this  strength  of  character  she  was  doubtless  in- 
debted largely  to  her  maternal  ancestors. 

Of  Mrs.  Hannah  Keen,  wife  of  Jacob  Keen  and 
grandmother  of  Mary  Yard,  this  incident  is  related  in 
New  Jersey  Historical  Collections. 

During  the  War  of  the  Revolution,  while  the  British 


26  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

Army  was  quartered  in  the  vicinity  of  Trenton,  a  party 
of  Hessian  soldiers,  bent  on  plunder,  visited  the  home  of 
Mrs.  Keen,  on  a  farm  some  four  miles  from  the  city,  and 
near  the  village  of  Lawrenceville. 

Mr.  Keen,  her  husband,  was  absent,  serving  in  the  Con- 
tinental Army,  and  the  sentiments  of  the  family  were  well 
known.  When  the  fierce-looking  foreigners  appeared, 
and  by  signs  demanded  what  valuables  were  in  the  house, 
the  brave  woman  took  her  stand  in  front  of  the  bureau 
containing  silver-plate  and  money,  and  would  not  allow 
its  drawers  to  be  opened.  It  was  in  vain  that  threaten- 
ing gestures  were  made,  and  even  bayonets  were  pointed 
at  her  breast.  She  was  ready  to  defend  her  property 
with  her  life.  With  true  womanly  tact,  however,  the 
housewife  had  food  set  before  the  men,  and  thus  kept 
them  occupied  while  she  sent  one  of  her  sons  to  find  the 
British  officer  in  command.  When  the  man  in  authority 
arrived  he  gave  such  orders  as  caused  the  Hessian  soldiers 
to  depart  without  their  expected  booty. 

Mrs.  Keen  was  regarded  as  the  leading  spirit  of  the 
Baptist  church  in  Trenton.  Indeed,  to  her,  more  than  to 
any  one  else,  was  due  its  establishment.  Feeling  the  need 
of  a  church  of  the  denomination  in  which  her  parents, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Holmes,  long  of  Holmesburg,  Pa.,  had 
been  honored  members,  and  her  grandfather,  Rev.  Abel 
Morgan,  a  prominent  clergyman,  Mrs.  Keen  begged  from 
friends  in  Holmesburg  and  elsewhere  most  of  the  money 
with  which  to  pay  for  the  building  of  the  church.  Until 
her  death,  at  eighty -eight  years,  the  lady  was  looked  up 
to  as  a  "  Mother  in  Israel."  Mrs.  Yard,  Mary's  mother, 
was  of  like  vigor  of  mind  and  strength  of  character. 

This  strength  of  character  was  rarely  manifested  in 
the  subject  of  this  memoir  save  when  questions  of  prin- 


PERSONAL  TRAITS.  27 

ciple  "were  involved ;  but  at  such  times  it  never  failed. 
Some  illustrations  of  it  were  given  in  her  very  early  life. 

"Thou  shcalt  hallow  my  Sabbaths,"  was  engraven  deeply  on  the 
heart  of  little  Mary,  from  the  time  of  her  conversion,  and  she  could 
not  be  prevailed  upon  to  deviate  from  the  strict  observance  of  the 
Lord's  Day  as  the  holy  Sabbath.  Her  father,  not  viewing  it  as  she 
did,  was  in  the  habit  of  riding  out  to  his  farm  every  Sabbath,  and 
desired  his  daughter  to  go  with  him.  She  had  done  so  before  her 
conversion,  but  afterward  declined  his  invitation,  saying,  u  Father, 
we  are  commanded  to  'keep  the  Sabbath  day  holy,'  and  it  is  not 
right  to  ride  out  on  Sunday."  He  rebuked  his  child  for  insinuat- 
ing that  he  would  do  wrong.  She  did  not  intend  to  be  disrespect- 
ful to  her  father,  whom  she  tenderly  loved,  and  asked  his  forgive- 
ness, but  added,  "Please,  dear  father,  don't  ask  me  to  do  what  I 
think  would  offend  God."  He  replied,  "You  are  mistaken;  it  is 
not  wrong  for  you  to  ride  on  Sunday,  for  your  health  requires  it. 
It  would  do  you  good  to  inhale  the  pure  country  air,  and  it  is  right 
to  do  all  you  can  for  your  feeble  body,  to  strengthen  and  preserve 
your  health."  This  seemed  plausible,  but  her  conscience  and  the 
Word  of  God  forbade  her  to  yield,  and,  begging  her  father  to  ex- 
cuse her,  she  was  allowed,  ever  after,  to  act  according  to  her  con- 
victions of  duty. 

Frequently  her  heart  was  made  sad  by  seeing  her  father  present 
liquors  of  various  kinds  to  his  friends  when  they  called  to  see  him. 
It  was  at  that  period  almost  a  universal  practice  to  do  so,  and 
brandy,  gin,  whisky,  and  wines  were  thought  to  be  a  necessary  ap- 
pendage to  every  house  of  respectability.  To  partake  of  them  was 
thought  no  more  a  sin  than  to  take  a  cup  of  tea  or  coffee. 

A  few  there  were  who  could  not  sanction  such  wrong-doing,  and 
who  sighed  and  cried  for  the  abominations  that  were  done  in  the 
land,  in  consequence  of  the  viper  cherished  in  so  many  households. 
Little  Mary  was  among  the  number  who  saw  and  deplored  the  evil. 
Many  times  she  felt  almost  impelled  to  speak  to  her  father  of  this, 
but  for  some  time  her  courage  failed  her. 

At  length,  one  day,  after  several  visitors  had  been  drinking 
brandy,  wine,  etc.,  and  had  gone  away,  she  approached  her  father, 
saying,  "  O  how  sorry  I  am,  dear  father,  to  see  you  giving  rum  to 
people  who  come  to  see  you.     The  Bible  says,  '  Woe  unto  him  that 


28  THE  LIFE  OF  MBS.   JAMES. 

putteth  the  cup  to  his  neighbor's  lips,'  and  I  am  afraid  the  judg- 
ments of  God  will  come  upon  you  and  upon  all  of  us,  on  account  of 
this  great  sin,"  Her  father  was  much  displeased,  and  replied 
sternly  to  her,  saying  he  was  not  to  be  reproved  by  his  child.  She 
said  she  had  long  felt  it  her  duty  to  speak  to  him  about  it,  and  she 
hoped  he  would  pardon  her  if  she  seemed  to  him  to  have  done 
wrong.  Afterward  he  felt  some  compunctions  of  conscience,  and 
Mary  believed  God  had  influenced  her  to  speak  to  him,  and  that 
the  Good  Spirit  had  touched  his  heart. 

Another  occurrence  shows  that  such  plain  but  respect- 
ful appeals  to  her  father  did  not  lessen  her  influence  with 
him  for  his  good. 

One  evening  Mary's  brother,  who  had  conducted  the  family 
devotions,  was  absent  later  than  usual.  Seeing  her  father  prepar- 
ing to  retire,  she  said  :  "Father,  won't  you  please  to  wait  for 
brother  J.  to  come  in  and  have  prayer  before  you  go  to  bed  ?  "  He 
replied  :  "I  am  tired,  my  child,  and  I  cannot  wait  any  longer ; 
can't  you  read  a  chapter  for  us?"  She  said:  "Yes,  sir;  I  will." 
Taking  the  Bible  she  read  a  chapter.  Closing  the  book  she  said  : 
"Father,  shall  I  pray,  too  ?  "  "Yes,  my  dear,"  he  replied,  "  if  you 
will."  She  then  offered  an  earnest  prayer  in  behalf  of  her  loved 
parents  and  each  member  of  the  family.  The  Blessed  Spirit  helped 
her  in  a  remarkable  manner.  Her  father's  heart  was  deeply 
touched,  and  after  rising  from  his  knees  he  wept  for  some  minutes. 
He  had  never  heard  her  pray  before,  and  she  felt  the  cross  to  be 
great,  but  she  found  the  promise  fulfilled,  "My  grace  is  sufficient 
for  thee,  for  my  strength  is  made  perfect  in  weakness." 

In  one  case  the  Christian  courage  of  this  child  was 
shown  in  a  different  way. 

A  lady,  professing  to  disbelieve  the  sacred  writings  and  reject- 
ing the  truth  of  experimental  religion,  sought  to  draw  Mary  out  on 
purpose  to  refute  her  testimony.  The  young  Christian  did  not  feel 
equal  to  such  a  contest,  and  said  to  her  antagonist  :  "Although  I 
know  by  heartfelt  experience  the  truth  and  reality  of  religion,  yet 
I  feel  unable  to  convince  you  of  your  error  ;  but  there  is  One  who 
can  convince  you.  God,  by  His  all-powerful  Spirit,  can  open  your 
eyes  that  you  may  see  the  things  that  belong  to  your  peace.     I  will 


PERSONAL   TRAITS.  29 

pray  to  Him  to  show  you  the  truth.  If  I  cannot  argue  with  you,  I 
can  pray  for  you." 

She  then  knelt  down,  and  the  gay  lady  followed  her  example. 
In  all  the  haughtiness  of  her  rebellious  spirit,  she  bowed,  and  list- 
ened to  the  simple,  fervent  prayer  of  her  youthful  friend,  while 
in  pleading  accents  Mary  besought  the  Lord  to  melt  that  hard 
heart,  to  open  those  blind  eyes  and  awaken  that  soul  which,  slum- 
bering on  the  brink  of  ruin,  was  insensible  to  its  danger.  The 
obdurate  spirit  yielded  ;  tears  flowed  profusely,  and  at  the  close 
of  the  prayer  she  approached  her  young  friend,  weeping,  and  said : 
"  Mary,  if  there  is  a  reality  in  religion,  I  hope  your  prayer  will 
be  answered,  that  I  shall  be  convinced  of  my  error,  and  become  a 
Christian." 

Her  friend  has  not  known  of  her  conversion,  but  she  knows 
the  Spirit  did  His  work  upon  that  heart. 

Extreme  sensitiveness  was  a  feature  of  Mary  Yard's 
character  no  less  marked  than  firmness  and  courage. 

A  nature  so  keenly  alive  to  every  impression  enjoys 
more,  but  also  suffers  more,  than  others.  This  fact, 
coupled  with  the  exuberance  of  imagination  before  men- 
tioned, may  account  to  some  extent  for  the  warmth  and 
strength  of  her  language  in  speaking  of  her  experiences. 
It  certainly  caused  her  life  to  be  filled  with  strong 
emotions.  These  were  intensified  by  an  overwrought 
nervous  organism.  To  this  sensitive  child,  the  kind 
Heavenly  Father  came  very  near  in  just  those  revelations 
of  Himself  she  most  needed,  causing  the  events  of  life 
to  teach  lessons  of  lasting  value.  Such  an  impression  was 
made  upon  this  young  heart  by  an  occurrence  thus  de- 
scribed : 

Never  was  there  a  child  naturally  more  timid  than  the  subject 
of  this  narrative.  Previous  to  her  conversion,  she  was  always 
terrified  by  a  thunder-storm,  and  would  not  be  left  alone  for  a  mo- 
ment. Following  her  mother  as  she  went  about  the  house,  she 
would  hold  fast  to  her  dress,  almost  frantic  with  fear.     In  the 


30  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

early  part  of  her  religious  life,  an  awful  thunder-storm  occurred  in 
the  night,  and  Mary  was  awakened  by  the  loud  peals  of  thunder. 
The  lightning,  in  an  increasing  blaze,  lighted  up  the  room,  and  the 
cry  of  "fire"  from  many  voices  in  the  street  added  terror  to  the 
fearful  scene.  It  seemed,  indeed,  as  if  the  world  was  wrapped  in 
flames.  The  lightning  having  struck  in  various  places,  the  reflec- 
tion of  the  flames  upon  the  clouds  gave  the  heavens  the  appear- 
ance of  being  on  fire.  As  Mary  looked  up  at  the  sky,  she  thought 
surely  the  great  day  of  God's  wrath  had  come.  The  evening  be- 
fore she  had  listened  to  a  sermon  from  the  words,  "Lo,  he  cometh 
with  clouds,"  etc.,  in  which  the  scenes  of  the  judgment-day  were 
vividly  portrayed,  and  now  she  thought  the  reality  had  come. 
Bowing  in  prayer,  she  examined  her  heart  to  see  if  she  was  ready 
for  that  momentous  hour,  and  found  a  clear  evidence  that  she  was 
a  child  of  God,  and  through  Jesus'  blood  and  righteousness  she 
should  stand  approved  before  Him.  Then  she  went  down-stairs, 
the  family  being  assembled  in  the  parlor.  First  she  opened  the 
front  door  and  looked  up  to  see  if  Jesus  was  coming.  Gazing  at 
the  fiery  clouds,  she  expected  every  moment  to  see  them  part  and 
her  dear  Savior  come  down.  Her  soul  was  filled  with  ecstatic  joy, 
and,  as  the  pealing  thunders  rolled  louder  and  yet  louder,  shaking 
the  house  as  an  earthquake,  and  the  lurid  lightning  glared  in  her 
face,  she  said  : 

"  His  lightnings'  flash,  His  thunders'  roll, 
How  welcome  to  the  faithful  soul." 

Then,  meeting  her  parents,  brothers,  and  neighbors  in  the  parlor, 
she  saw  consternation  and  solemnity  in  every  face,  and  some  pale 
with  fear.  One  young  lady,  very  rich  in  the  wealth  of  this  world, 
found  herself  poor  indeed,  for  she  had  forgotten  God  and  lived 
only  for  herself ;  she  was  walking  the  floor,  wringing  her  hands  in 
the  extremest  agony,  for  she  was  not  prepared  to  meet  her  Judge. 
She  begged  Mary  to  pray  for  her,  and  she  did  pray  with  all  her 
heart,  but  feared  it  was  too  late.  Many  hundreds  of  such  cases 
there  were  that  night,  for  it  seemed  to  be  the  general  belief  that 
the  end  of  the  world  had  come. 

The  appalling  thought  of  the  sinner's  doom  seemed  more  vivid 
and  impressive  after  that  fearful  storm,  and  impelled  her  to  more 
vigorous  efforts  to  save  perishing  souls.     This  became  the  absorbing 


PERSONAL   TRAITS.  31 

work  of  every  moment  she  could  spare  from  her  studies,  to  beseech 
the  unconverted  to  seek  refuge  in  Jesus. 

Upon  this  impressible  child  an  occurrence  very  differ- 
ent produced  an  effect  not  less  remarkable,  and  may,  to 
some  extent,  account  for  her  life-long  interest  in  camp- 
meetings.  One  of  these  gatherings  was  to  be  held  within 
a  few  miles  from  her  home. 

Having  heard  much  of  the  wonderful  displays  of  divine  power 
at  such  meetings,  she  had  an  idea  they  must  be  almost  like 
heaven.  So  she  desired  very  much  to  attend  the  meeting,  and 
asked  her  mother  if  she  thought  her  father  would  be  willing  to  go 
and  take  them  the  next  day.  Her  mother  replied  discouragingly, 
saying:  "Your  father  don't  approve  of  camp-meetings,  and  you 
need  not  think  of  his  going  and  taking  us." 

"But,  mother,"  said  Mary,  "if  God  wants  us  to  go,  He  can 
make  father  willing;  I  mean  to  pray  about  it."  "Well,"  said 
her  mother,  "pray,  and  if  it  is  God's  will  He  can  open  the  way." 
Mary  asked  her  father  if  he  would  go  to  camp-meeting  next  day, 
and  take  her  mother  and  her  to  spend  the  day.  He  spoke  con- 
temptuously of  such  gatherings,  and  said  he  did  not  wish  to  go 
and  could  not  possibly  go  to-morrow,  as  he  had  an  engagement. 
Mary's  faith  did  not  fail  at  this  repulse,  but,  praying  before  she  re- 
tired that  God  would  yet  open  the  way,  she  went  to  sleep  very 
happy,  believing  her  prayer  would  be  answered.  Very  early  next 
morning  her  mother  called  her,  saying  :  "  Come,  Mary,  get  up  and 
dress  quickly,  your  father  is  going  to  take  us  to  camp-meeting." 

The  scenes  and  enjoyments  of  that  consecrated  spot  seemed, 
indeed,  heavenly.  Scores  were  converted  and  hundreds  rejoiced 
in  the  sweet  foretaste  of  joys  celestial. 

To  the  great  joy  of  the  child,  she  was  permitted  to 
remain  over-night  on  the  ground.  She  here  received  a 
wonderful  baptism  of  the  Spirit,  and  had  reason  to  be- 
lieve the  heart  of  her  father  was  touched  by  the  same 
blessed  power.  To  her  latest  summer,  spent  at  Ocean 
Grove,  no  place  seemed  to  her  quite  so  near  heaven  as  a 
camp-ground. 


CHAPTER  Y. 

MENTAL   AND    SPIRITUAL   CULTURE. 

The  piety  of  Mary  Yard  was  not  of  the  fanatical  type 
that  relies  upon  earnestness  and  warmth  alone  in  work 
for  G-od.  Having  given  herself  to  Him  while  her  powers 
were  yet  undeveloped,  she  realized  that  her  first  duty 
was  to  seek,  by  study  and  discipline,  to  improve  her 
mind.  So,  at  the  period  when  many  young  girls  are 
given  up  to  frivolity,  with  little  thought  of  the  value  of 
their  opportunities,  she  was  applying  herself  to  her 
books  with  the  same  earnestness  manifested  later  in  spe- 
cifically religious  work. 

Her  parents  appreciated  the  daughter's  interest  in 
education.  She  was  also  greatly  helped  by  her  friend 
and  pastor,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lybrand,  a  man  of  excellent 
mind,  and  who  had  enjoyed  better  opportunities  of  edu- 
cation than  most  of  his  brethren  in  the  Methodist  minis- 
try of  those  days.  Mr.  Lybrand  was  twice  the  pastor 
of  the  Trenton  church,  having  been  returned  for  one 
year  after  four  years'  absence.  After  his  removal,  his 
letters  proved  helpful  in  every  way.  Fifty  Years'  Walk 
with  Jesus  reports  a  conversation  with  this  excellent 
man.     Said  Mr.  Lybrand : 

"It  is  not  only  for  this  life  that  the  highest  literary  advantages 
are  desirable,  but  for  the  life  to  come.  .  .  .  What  an  incentive  to 
diligence  in  pursuing  the  study  of  nature  and  of  God  in  all  his 
works." 


MENTAL  AND  SPIRITUAL   CULTURE.  33 

The  account  adds : 

This  remark  was  made  during  a  walk  in  a  lovely  flower-o-arden 
and  among  some  of  the  richest  of  earthly  scenes.  Alludino-  first  to 
those  beauties  below,  then  looking  above  and  observing  the  fleecy 
clouds  floating  over  the  azure  sky,  he  said  :  "All  these  charmino- 
scenes  tend  to  elevate  and  ennoble  the  mind.  Cultivate,  then, 
your  love  of  the  beautiful  in  nature  and  pursue  your  studies  with 
the  glory  of  God  ever  in  view."  Calling  her  attention  to  the  flow- 
ers, he  said:  "  How  charming!  see  the  skill  and  wisdom  of  God  in 
these."  Then,  taking  a  flower  in  his  hand,  and  examining  each 
petal  and  every  part  of  it,  he  seemed  in  ecstasy  as  lie  spoke  of  the 
structure  and  beauty  of  its  various  parts,  giving  them  the  botanical 
names.  Botany  had  been  one  of  her  favorite  studies,  and  she  was 
prepared  to  appreciate  the  remarks  of  her  friend,  whose  culture, 
refinement,  and  devotion  invested  his  conversation  with  profound 
interest. 

Is  it  strange  that,  with  such  a  counselor  and  friend, 
Mary's  interest  in  study  became  intense  ?  Not  less  valu- 
able was  the  influence  of  another  pastor,  already  men- 
tioned, the  Rev.  Dr.  Holdich,  who  says,  in  the  commu- 
nication before  quoted  : 

"When,  in  the  spring  of  1829,  I  was  stationed  in  the  city  of 
Trenton,  N.  J.,  one  of  the  first  persons  I  became  acquainted  with 
was  Mary  Yard.  She  was  at  that  time  living  with  her  father,  who 
had  retired  from  business  on  a  moderate  competency.  She  divided 
her  time  in  prayer  and  devotional  reading  and  works  of  charity. 
She  was  at  the  same  time  assiduous  in  the  cultivation  of  her  mind. 
She  commenced  under  me  the  study  of  Latin.  .  .  .  She  studied 
French  under  a  French  governess  in  the  boarding-school  of  Mrs. 
Nottingham,  then  a  successful  teacher  in  Trenton." 

The  study  of  the  latter  language  was  so  far  pursued 
that  Miss  Yard  made  a  translation  of  a  tract  which  she 
found  in  that  tongue.  A  copy  of  this  first  literary  pro- 
duction of  his  mother  is  now  in  the  possession  of  the 

2* 


34  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

writer.  It  is  entitled  The  Family  Altar,  and  is  a 
well-told  story  of  Christian  home-life.  It  bears  upon  its 
title-page  the  statement  that  it  was  "  translated  from  the 
French  by  a  young  lady  of  Trenton,  E".  J.,"  and  the  im- 
print of  the  Methodist  Book  Concern.  The  translation 
of  some  secular  works  was  attempted,  but,  while  she  was 
capable  of  appreciating  the  beauties  of  French  literature, 
she  soon  abandoned  this  sort  of  work  for  that  which  was 
more  in  harmony  with  her  religious  tastes. 

Of  Mary  Yard's  relations  to  the  friend  whose  letter  is 
quoted  above,  she  writes : 

To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Holdich  and  his  wife  she  owes  a  debt  of  grat- 
itude far  beyond  what  words  could  express.  Their  library  afforded 
her  greater  literary  advantages  than  she  had  previously  been 
favored  with,  and  the  value  of  their  aid  in  the  culture  of  her  mind, 
their  wise  counsels,  refined  conversation,  and  Christian  influence 
can  never  be  told.  To  the  two  years  which  were  spent  in  intimate 
association  with  them  she  often  reverts  with  heartfelt  delight  and 
gratitude  to  God. 

One  feature  of  the  character  we  are  studying  deserves 
more  than  the  passing  allusion  already  given.  Love  of 
nature  was  with  her  almost  a  passion. 

Flowers  she  had  ever  loved  and  cherished  as  her  most  precious 
earthly  treasures.  Having  been  favored  at  her  parental  home  with 
a  lovely  garden,  adorned  with  flowers  and  shrubbery,  she  had  spent 
much  of  her  time  in  the  contemplation  of  those  beautiful  objects  of 
God's  handiwork.  They  ministered  not  only  to  her  enjoyment,  but 
to  her  improvement,  both  intellectual  and  spiritual.  Many  an  hour 
of  sweet  communion  with  Jesus  she  spent  in  the  woodbine  bowers. 
While  inhaling  the  delicious  odors  there,  the  sweeter  perfumes 
from  the  celestial  hills  were  wafted  to  her  soul,  and  she  seemed  to 
be  worshiping  amid  the  ambrosial  bowers  of  the  Eden  above.  She 
had  a  special  fondness  for  arranging  flowers,  and  often,  in  her  walks 
in  the  garden  or  in  the  fields  and  groves,  would  gather  them  and 


MENTAL  AND  SPIRITUAL  CULTURE.  35 

arrange  thein  with  evergreens  in  bouquets.  A  friend,  seeing  her 
thus  employed,  chided  her,  expressing  surprise  that  she  would 
thus  "  waste  her  time."  She  replied:  "  I  do  not  consider  it  a  waste 
of  time  to  make  myself  familiar  with  these  beautiful  things 
which  our  Heavenly  Father  has  taken  so  much  pains  to  make  for 
our  comfort  and  pleasure.  They  make  me  love  Him  more  every 
time  I  look  upon  them,  and  while  arranging  them  and  observing 
their  delicate  charms  and  wonderful  structure,  which  can  only  be 
appreciated  by  a  close  inspection,  my  heart  is  glowing  with  emo- 
tions of  hallowed  delight.  Every  bouquet  I  form  has  an  effect  to 
refine  and  elevate  my  mind  and  bring  me  into  closer  communion 
with  God.  And,"  she  added,  "  if  no  other  advantage  resulted  from 
these  feasts  of  flowers,  the  relaxation  and  recreation  they  afford  to 
my  mind,  while  pursuing  my  studies,  would  be  valuable."  The 
lady  had  no  more  to  say  in  opposition  to  her  young  friend's  course. 

When  about  fourteen  years  of  age,  Mary's  father  proposed  her 
leaving  school,  believing  her  acquirements  quite  sufficient  for  a 
girl.  Afflicted  beyond  measure  at  such  a  suggestion,  she  begged 
him  to  allow  her  to  receive  a  better  education,  saying,  ' '  Father,  if 
you  had  wealth  to  give,  and  should  allow  me  to  choose  between 
educational  advantages  and  a  large  fortune,  I  would  say,  Give  me 
a  thorough  education  and  let  me  be  poor." 

Yielding  to  her  earnest  pleadings,  Mr.  Yard  consented 
that  his  daughter  should  pursue  her  studies  longer. 
At  the  close  of  each  school-term  he  would  repeat  the 
expression  of  his  conviction  that  she  "  needed  no  more 
learning,"  but  her  cause  was  in  the  hands  of  Him  who 
controls  the  hearts  of  men.  Term  after  term  passed, 
and  still  the  young  student  was  pursuing  her  loved 
studies,  praising  her  covenant-keeping  God  for  the  ful- 
fillment of  his  promise,  "  Commit  thy  way  unto  the 
Lord,  trust  also  in  Him,  and  He  shall  bring  it  to  pass." 

Her  fondness  for  literature  alone  would  have  prompted  her  to 
diligence  in  her  studies,  but  the  thought  of  being  enabled  to  work 
more  successfully  for  Christ  and  exerting  a  wider  influence  in  His 
cause  was  the  strongest  incentive,  making  even  her  most  difficult 


36  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

studies  a  delight.  The  benedictions  of  heaven  daily  coming  down 
upon  her  soul,  the  sweet  and  abiding  sense  of  the  presence  of  Jesus, 
and  the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit  fully  assured  her  that  her 
44  ways  pleased  the  Lord."  The  sanction  and  help  of  her  excellent 
mother  also  tended  to  strengthen  her  in  this,  her  favorite  plan,  and 
was  a  source  of  great  comfort  to  her. 

It  was  a  cherished  desire  from  her  early  youth  to  enter  upon 
foreign  missionary  work.  With  this  view  and  because  she  deemed 
it  important  to  gain  the  knowledge  conducive  to  this  end,  she 
commenced  the  study  of  the  Latin  and  French  languages,  and 
afterward  the  Greek.  Although  never  called  to  execute  her  pur- 
pose of  being  a  missionary  in  heathen  lands,  God  had  work  for 
her  to  do  in  her  own  land  of  no  less  importance,  and  it  was  His 
hand  that  marked  out  her  path  in  the  preparation  for  that  work. 

"While  seeking  to  develop  the  mind  and  secure  useful 
knowledge,  Mary  Yard  was  diligent  in  spiritual  culture. 
Much  time  was  given  to  the  reading  of  devotional  books, 
among  which  were  many  Christian  biographies,  especially 
such  "  Methodist  classics  "  as  the  memoirs  of  Hester  Ann 
Rogers,  "William  Carvosso,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fletcher. 
She  listened  with  closest  attention  and  great  profit  to  the 
preaching  of  the  Word.  Meetings  for  social  prayer  and 
the  relation  of  Christian  experience  were  rich  in  blessing 
to  her.  Often  does  she  mention  in  her  diary  class-meet- 
ings and  love-feasts  of  special  interest.  Some  quotations 
from  this  note-book  will  show  how  this  Christian  profited 
by  some  other  means  of  grace. 

February  2. — This  day  my  soul  has  been  truly  fed  with  heavenly 
food.  While  partaking  of  the  Lord's  Supper  my  heart  was  melted 
to  tenderness  and  my  eyes  to  tears.  I  feel  stronger  in  the  faith  than 
ever  before.  The  path  of  holiness  grows  brighter  and  brighter. 
My  peace  is  like  a  river. 

June  28. — I  find  it  a  great  blessing  to  read  the  Scriptures, 
kneeling,  every  day.  I  receive  more  light  from  above,  and  see 
more  clearly  the  meaning  of  the  truths  of  the  Holy  Book.    Oh,  may 


MENTAL  AND  SPIRITUAL   CULTURE.  37 

I  love  the  precious  Word  of  God  more  and  more  and  read  it  dili- 
gently, that  I  may  be  made  wise  unto  salvation  ! 

The  path  of  this  young  pilgrim  was  not  without  its 
shadows.  Temptations,  trials,  and  occasional  attacks  of 
severe  suffering  are  mentioned  in  the  journal,  but  most 
of  the  records  that  have  been  preserved  are  inspired  by 
gratitude  to  her  ever-faithful  Friend  and  joy  in  His 
service. 

March  4. — This  has  indeed  been  a  day  of  trial  to  me.  I  have 
had  to  contend  with  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil.  My  peace 
in  God  was  not  so  great  as  usual,  though  I  was  not  forsaken  by 
Him.  But  this  evening's  enjoyment  has  made  up  for  all  I  have 
suffered  through  the  day.  I  took  up  my  blessed  Bible  to  read  the 
sacred  Word,  which  has  so  often  proved  a  blessing  to  me.  As  I 
opened  it,  I  prayed  that  I  might  be  directed  to  some  portion  that 
would  bring  light  to  my  mind  and  joy  to  my  heart.  The  first  words 
that  my  eyes  rested  upon  were,  "The  Lord  is  my  light  and  my  sal- 
vation, Whom  shall  I  fear  ?  the  Lord  is  the  strength  of  my  life, 
of  Whom  shall  I  be  afraid  ?  " — Psalm  xxvii.  1.  My  soul  was  greatly 
refreshed  and  strengthened ;  I  realized  that  the  Lord  was  indeed 
"  my  light  and  my  salvation,'1'1  and  though  a  host  should  encamp 
against  me,  yet  would  I  "not  fear,"  for  the  "God  of  Jacob  is  my 
defense  and  the  Holy  One  of  Israel  is  my  refuge." 

The  Bible  was  prized  by  Mary  above  everything  on  earth. 
Scarcely  a  single  day  passed  without  the  addition  of  some  precious 
gems  to  her  treasures  in  memory's  casket.  And  how  it  delighted 
her  heart  to  often  bring  them  forth  and  recount  their  value,  and 
say,  ' '  These  are  all  mine  !  "  In  years  following,  when  prostrated  by 
sickness  for  months  together,  and  unable  to  read  her  loved  Bible, 
she  could  recall  much  of  it,  and  found  it  comforting  to  her  heart 
amid  sufferings  severe  and  protracted ! 

In  secret  prayer  Mary  found  special  delight,  and  was  fed  and 
refreshed  by  the  communications  of  divine  love.  Not  only  had  she 
stated  seasons  every  day  conscientiously  set  apart  for  this  exercise, 
but  whenever  other  duties  would  permit  she  would  seek  special  op- 
portunities for  communion  with  God.     Late  in  life  she  writes  of 


38  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

those  seasons  of  closet  devotion  as  among  her  most  cherished  mem- 
ories, and  remarks  "  Here  is  the  secret  of  her  being  kept  by  the 
power  of  God  in  the  slippery  paths  of  youth.  She  kept  up  con- 
stant intercourse  with  the  Source  of  her  strength.  Never  yet  has 
the  time  come  when  she  could  dispense  with  frequent  and  regular 
seasons  of  devotion  without  suffering  spiritual  loss." 

It  is  to  this  careful  attention  to  the  needs  of  the  mind 
and  the  soul  that  the  subject  of  this  memoir  owed  what 
may  well  be  spoken  of  as  the  precocity  of  her  intellectual 
and  moral  development  and  the  symmetry  of  her  char- 
acter. 


CHAPTER  YL 

THE  YOUNG  SUNDAY-SCHOOL  TEACHER. 

No  one  will  wonder  that  a  spirit  so  eager  for  useful- 
ness would  not  wait  for  the  completion  of  a  course  of 
literary  training  or  maturity  of  years  before  entering 
upon  active  service.  Indeed,  we  have  already  seen  the 
child  at  work  for  her  Master.  Yet  at  this  day  it  seems 
strange  that  the  charge  of  a  Sunday-school  class  was 
committed  to  a  little  girl  only  thirteen  years  of  age. 
We  must  bear  in  mind,  however,  that  sixty  years  ago 
this  institution  was  in  its  infancy,  and  little  was  at- 
tempted besides  supplementing  the  day-school  by  help- 
ing children  learn  to  read  and  imparting  to  them  such 
truths  as  bear  directly  upon  the  heart  and  life. 

When  asked  by  the  superintendent  of  the  school  to 
take  a  class  of  little  girls  Mary  Yard  declined,  pleading 
her  youth  and  lack  of  the  knowledge  and  skill  she  felt  to 
be  requisite  for  such  a  work.  At  length,  however,  pressed 
by  the  superintendent,  the  pastor,  and  others  in  whose 
judgment  she  had  confidence,  and  believing  the  call  to 
come  from  God,  she  consented,  and  six  little  girls,  rang- 
ing from  six  to  nine  years  of  age,  were  placed  under  her 
care. 

The  responsibility  thus  imposed  upon  her  caused  her  to  feel 
more  than  ever  her  great  need  of  help  from  God,  and  led  her  to 
more  earnest  prayer  and  renewed  consecration.  Daily  she  besought 
the  Great  Shepherd  to  give  her  food  for  her  "lambs."     She  would 


40  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

go  from  her  secret  devotions  to  meet  the  class.  To  lead  them  to 
Jesus  was  the  great  object  continually  kept  in  view.  Very  soon 
she  saw  tokens  that  their  hearts  were  moved  by  the  Spirit  to  seek 
the  Savior.  Then  other  opportunities  besides  those  afforded  in  the 
Sunday-school  were  sought  for  conversation  and  prayer  with  them, 
and  she  would  sometimes  take  them  to  her  home  and  have  a  prayer- 
meeting. 

Mrs.  Mary  J.  Clark,  the  wife  of  the  late  honored  and 
lamented  Davis  W.  Clark,  a  bishop  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  in  a  letter  to  the  author  of  this  vol- 
ume, dated  January  1,  1885,  gives  this  account  of  Mary 
Yard's  Sunday-school  work : 

"  I  was  a  member  of  your  mother's  Sunday-school  class  when  I 
was  a  little  girl  of  nine  years.  She  was  a  conscientious  teacher. 
She  had  a  conversation  with  each  one  of  us  every  Sabbath.  Ten- 
derly she  pressed  upon  our  responsive  hearts  the  claims  of  the 
Savior  whom  she  loved.  We  were  all,  some  ten  or  twelve  of  us, 
converted  in  a  Sunday-school  prayer-meeting  in  the  old  church, 
and  I  think  all  have  held  fast  to  the  faith.  Several  entered  the 
rest  that  remameth  before  her. 

1 '  Her  old  home  was  a  most  attractive  place  to  me,  located  on 
Green  Street,  opposite  the  church  and  a  little  south  of  it.  It  was 
of  stone,  I  think,  with  stuccoed  front,  which,  long  ago,  gave  a 
distingue  appearance  to  a  house.  South  of  it  was  a  large  flower- 
garden  that  was  always  enjoyed  by  those  passing  to  and  fro.  I 
attended  prayer-meetings  on  Sabbath  mornings,  for  years,  in  the 
house.  The  shutters  were  bowed  to  secure  privacy  and  to  soften 
the  light  of  the  morning  sun.  The  air  was  fragrant  with  the  per- 
fume of  flowers,  which,  it  seemed  to  me,  your  mother  knew  how 
to  arrange  better  than  any  one  else.  This  meeting  was  for  Sunday- 
school  teachers,  and  many  young  men  and  women  made  their  first 
attempt  at  vocal  prayer  there.  It  was  a  precious  place.  Your 
mother  has  been  in  my  mind  all  these  years  as  my  ideal  of  Christian 
womanhood — as  pre-eminently  good." 

The  Sunday-school  class  increased  in  numbers  until  a 


THE   YOUNG  SUNDAY-SCHOOL   TEACHER.  41 

dozen  children  regularly  received  the  instructions  of  this 
young  teacher.  As  years  passed  some  removed  and 
others  died,  but  nearly  all  became  active  Christian  work- 
ers, some  of  them  teachers  in  the  little  school.  At  length 
this  teacher,  whose  efficiency  had  been  so  fully  proved, 
was  chosen  to  the  position  of  assistant  superintendent. 
In  this  wider  sphere  she  labored  with  increasing  zeal  and 
success.  It  was  her  custom  to  take  the  classes  of  girls  in 
rotation,  spending  a  school  hour  with  each,  in  personal 
conversation  with  its  members.  In  connection  with  these 
efforts,  special  services  of  prayer  were  held  at  the  close 
of  school  sessions,  in  which  a  large  number  sought  and 
found  Christ.  That  Sunday-school  was,  indeed,  a  nurs- 
ery of  the  church,  from  which  trees  of  the  Lord  were 
transplanted  to  places  where  they  honored  Him  by  fruit- 
ful lives. 

The  teacher's  own  history  of  her  class-work  continues : 

Long  is  the  list  of  the  names  of  those  who  have  been  under  her 
care  and  instruction,  and  richly  has  her  own  soul  been  fed  while 
feeding  precious  lambs  and  guiding  them  to  the  fold  of  the  Good 
Shepherd.  How  exalted  the  privilege  of  leading  the  little  ones  of 
the  flock  into  green  pastures !  What  field  of  labor  is  so  productive 
as  that  of  the  Sabbath-school,  when  the  hearts  of  teachers  are  filled 
with  the  love  of  Jesus  ? 

Effort  for  the  spiritual  good  of  a  child  takes  hold  on 
two  eternities.  Not  only  is  an  immortal  spirit  directly 
benefited,  but  that  one  becomes  the  center  of  influence 
which  shall  be  perpetual.  More  than  sixty  years  have 
passed  since  that  little  group  gathered  around  their 
young  teacher  in  the  Trenton  Sunday-school.  One 
member  of  the  class  for  well-nigh  half  a  century  filled  a 
position  of  commanding  influence  as  the  helpmeet  of  one 


42  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

of  the  chief  ministers  of  the  church.  This  lady  has  a 
son  in  the  ministry  and  daughters  actively  engaged  in 
Christian  work.  Another  of  that  Sunday-school  class 
lived  to  see  her  three  sons  clergymen  and  her  two  daugh- 
ters missionaries — one  in  New  York  city,  the  other  in 
Africa.  Others  reared  families  for  Christ,  and  several 
strongly  impressed  those  with  whom  they  came  in  con- 
tact. The  wave  of  influence  started  so  long  ago  is  still 
rolling  on  with  ever- widening  sweep.  What  mind  can 
grasp  the  results  of  the  labors  of  that  young  girl  full  of 
love  for  souls  ? 

It  has  already  been  intimated  that  Mary  Yard's  con- 
ceptions of  responsibility  for  those  under  her  care  in  the 
Sunday-school  did  not  permit  her  to  be  satisfied  with 
work  in  the  school  itself.  It  was  her  constant  habit  to 
visit  the  children  at  their  homes. 

These  visits  to  the  children  often  afforded  opportunities  of  use- 
fulness to  the  parents  also,  to  whom,  under  suitable  circumstances, 
she  spoke  concerning  their  eternal  interests,  always  engaging  in 
prayer  before  leaving  them,  if  the  privilege  were  given  her. 

Besides  this  diligent  labor  with  and  for  those  under  her 
care  in  the  Sunday-school,  Mary  Yard  found  time  for 
much  visitation  of  the  sick  and  afflicted.  She  possessed 
a  peculiar  adaptation  to  this  work.  Her  ardent,  sym- 
pathetic nature  enabled  her  to  enter  into  their  woes.  Her 
knowledge  of  the  Scriptures  and  facility  in  singing  ap- 
propriate hymns  made  her  an  acceptable  visitor,  while 
her  strong  faith  and  intimate  communion  with  God  ena- 
bled her  to  help  those  to  whom  she  ministered. 

At  first  the  little  girl  would  go  as  the  bearer  of  a 
message  or  of  some  comfort  or  dainty  for  the  sufferer, 
provided  by  Mrs.  Yard,  whose  generous  heart  always 


THE  YOUNG  SUNDAY-SCHOOL  TEACHER.  43 

prompted  such  efforts  to  minister  to  the  needy.  The 
earnest  Christian,  child  though  she  was,  could  not  see 
one  suffering  and  in  danger  of  death  without  thought 
and  inquiry  in  regard  to  the  condition  of  the  soul. 

The  records  of  such  visits  contain  many  facts  of  inter- 
est, not  only  as  throwing  light  upon  the  work  of  this 
disciple  of  Christ,  but  as  illustrating  phases  of  Christian 
truth.  In  some  instances  they  show  the  power  of  grace 
to  cause  its  possessor  to  triumph  over  the  latest  foe. 
Others  manifest  the  mercy  that  extends  even  to  those 
who  have  neglected  the  offers  of  salvation  until  the  near 
approach  of  death.  Other  cases  sadly  prove  that  infinite 
mercy  may  be  too  long  abused.  Some,  whom  this  faith- 
ful messenger  warned  of  "  the  wrath  to  come,"  died 
without  hope.  Interesting  as  are  recorded  details  of  this 
work,  they  must  be  passed  over.  The  retrospect  of  these 
years  of  youthful  activity  suggested  the  remark  that 

It  may  excite  wonder  in  some  minds  how  she  could  have  com- 
manded time  for  such  abundant  labors.  The  secret  was,  that  no 
hours  were  wasted  by  her  in  useless  adorning,  worldly  amusements, 
or  formal  visiting.  Those  hours  redeemed  from  worldly  pursuits 
brought  her  rich  treasures  of  precious  souls. 

Crosses  connected  with  the  various  labors  of  her  Christian  life 
would  have  seemed  insupportable,  had  not  the  voice  of  the  Mighty 
One  in  whom  she  trusted  assured  her  :  "I,  the  Lord,  will  hold  thee 
by  thy  hand,  saying  unto  thee,  fear  not,  I  will  help  thee."  .  .  .  The 
continual  realization  of  this  kept  her  low  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  ever 
looking  to  Him  and  seeking  the  wisdom  and  power  which  He  only 
can  impart. 

Long  after  the  faithful  teacher  had  removed  from  the 
scene  of  her  early  labors,  while  visiting  her  relatives  she 
attended  and  bore  her  testimony  in  a  "  love-feast."  As 
she  sat  down,  a  lady  arose  and  said  in  substance  : 


44  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

"I  thank  God,  that  in  early  childhood  I  was  brought  to  Jesus  by 
the  dear  one  who  has  just  spoken.  I  was  a  scholar  in  her  Sabbath- 
school  class.  She  taught  rue  the  way  to  heaven,  and  for  years  I 
walked  in  it  ;  but  after  I  grew  up  and  married,  the  things  of  the 
world  engrossed  my  mind,  and,  being  deprived  of  religious  priv- 
ileges, I  became  neglectful  of  duty  and  lost  the  favor  of  God. 
While  in  that  sad  condition  I  was  one  day  standing  on  the  platform 
of  a  way  station,  when  a  train  stopped,  and  I  saw  looking  from  a 
window  of  one  of  the  cars  my  former  teacher.  The  train  tarried 
only  a  minute  or  two  ;  but  I  grasped  her  hand  and  heard  from  her 
lips  the  words  :  '  Lucy,  I  hope  you  have  not  lost  sight  of  heaven!7 
Oh,  those  words  and  that  look  !  How  they  pierced  my  heart  ! 
'  Lost  sight  of  heaven !  Lost  sight  of  heaven ! '  rang  in  my  ears 
and  through  my  inmost  soul.  Yes,  I  thought,  I  have  lost  sight  of 
heaven.  Nothing  but  earth  and  its  fleeting  things  have  I  seen  for  a 
long  time.  O  what  a  fool  I  was  to  let  the  world  come  in  between 
Jesus  and  my  soul,  and  hide  Him  and  heaven  from  my  view  !  My 
dear  teacher  does  not  know  that  I  have  '  forsaken  the  Fountain  of 
Living  Waters,  and  hewed  out  to  myself  cisterns,  broken  cisterns, 
that  can  hold  no  water  ; '  but  God  knows  it  and  I  know  it.  Alas 
for  my  folly  and  ingratitude  !  Then,  bitter  tears  of  repentance 
flowed  freely,  as  I  thought  of  my  backslidings,  and  of  the  voice  of 
my  compassionate  Savior  calling  me  to  return,  through  my  dear 
teacher.  Surely,  I  thought,  He  commissioned  her  to  call  me  and 
He  must  be  willing  to  receive  me.  I  will  go  !  Yes,  I  will  start 
now !  I  did,  and  it  was  not  long  before  I  found  Jesus  and  fixed  my 
eyes  upon  heaven  again.  Never  since  have  I  lost  sight  of  either. 
I  am  on  my  way  to  the  heavenly  city,  and  expect  to  meet  my  loved 
teacher  there  and  be  a  star  in  her  crown." 


Such  labor  as  this  leaves  no  unpleasant  memories. 
After  several  years'  residence  in  another  place,  this  earn- 
est worker  revisited  the  scenes  of  these  toils  for  the  best 
of  masters,  and,  under  date  of  January  19,  1842,  thus 
writes  in  her  diary : 

I  find  myself  in  Trenton,  surrounded  by  endeared  friends  and 


THE  YOUNG  SUNDAY-SCHOOL  TEACHER.  45 

the  scenes  of  my  early  days,  when  my  youthful  feet  traversed  these 
streets  seeking  the  abodes  of  sickness,  of  poverty  and  distress  .  .  . 
to  do  good  to  bodies  and  souls.  How  I  love  to  call  back  those 
scenes  of  my  youth  .  .  .  and  contemplate  the  loving-kindness  of 
God  to  me  in  being  my  wisdom  in  ignorance,  my  strength  in  weak- 
ness, and  all  that  I  needed. 


CHAPTEK  VII. 

EARLY    CONFLICTS    AND   TRIUMPHS. 

God's  Word  declares,  Daniel,  xii.  10 :  "  Many  shall  be 
purified  and  made  white  and  tried."  This  would  indi- 
cate that  the  highest  attainments  in  grace  are  likely  to 
be  subjected  to  the  severest  tests.  While  yet  young, 
Mary  Yard  passed  through  some  remarkable  mental  con- 
flicts. A  record  of  these  may  show  some  tempted  one 
that  hours  of  darkness  and  seasons  of  mental  distress  are 
not  incompatible  with  intimate  fellowship  with  Jesus. 

It  is  not  strange  that  the  frail  and  delicate  organism 
of  Mary  Yard  was  overtaxed  by  her  close  application  to 
study.  At  one  time  her  health  became  so  impaired  that 
her  physician  enjoined  rest  from  all  mental  application 
for  at  least  one  year.  It  was  no  small  privation  to  give 
up  her  cherished  studies,  but  she  cheerfully  acquiesced  in 
this  as  a  providential  arrangement. 

A  part  of  this  vacation- time  was  spent  with  relatives 
in  Newark,  N.  J.  At  first  the  new  scenes  and  circum- 
stances produced  a  favorable  effect  upon  the  invalid. 
After  a  delightful  visit  of  some  weeks  she  started  for 
her  home,  with  bright  hopes  of  a  speedy  return  to  work, 
but  while  journeying  homeward  in  a  carriage  with  one 
of  her  brothers  she  was  attacked  with  serious  symptoms, 
and  before  reaching  Trenton  became  very  ill. 

To  her  mother,  who  met  her  darling  with  tears,  she  said:  "I 
know  this  disappointment  is  hard  to  bear,  but  it  is  all  right.     Our 


EARLY  CONFLICTS  AND   TRIUMPHS.  47 

Father  doeth  all  things  well.  Jesus  is  with  me,  and,  whether  liv- 
ing or  dying,  I  am  the  Lord's." 

She  felt  "the  Everlasting  Arms "  around  and  beneath  her,  and 
Jesus,  smiling  upon  her,  said:  "Thou  art  Mine,  I  will  take  care  of 
thee."  Days  and  nights  were  passed  in  unconsciousness.  On  the 
night  of  the  ninth  day,  at  the  crisis  of  her  disease,  her  reason  re- 
turned. She  saw  her  mother  and  other  loved  ones  around  her  bed, 
using  every  means  to  restore  vitality  to  her  dying  body.  She  was 
too  low  to  speak ;  but,  as  she  lay  in  that  state  which  seemed  to  be 
approaching  death,  a  beautiful  vision  passed  before  her  mind,  of 
which  she  wrote,  after  her  recovery,  to  a  friend  *  as  follows: 

"I  came  down  to  Jordan's  brink,  and  even  stepped  in  and  felt 
the  chill  of  death's  cold  waters  upon  my  frame.  I  seemed  just 
about  crossing  over  to  the  other  side,  where  I  saw  all  the  glories  of 
immortal  grandeur  in  the  heavenly  city,  and  knew  that  there  was 
'the  portion  of  my  inheritance.' 

"  I  looked  up  at  the  bright  convoy  of  angels  hovering  over  my 
bed,  and  was  just  going  to  say  : 

'  Lend,  lend  your  wings.     I  mount !  I  fly ! ' 

when  one  look,  one  word,  from  my  adorable  Savior  caused  me  to 
relinquish  the  glorious  entrance  into  that  bright  abode  and  wait 
awhile  longer,  still  sojourning  in  the  wilderness,  an  exile  from  my 
heavenly  home.  On  the  other  side  I  saw  the  spirits  of  the  glorified 
— dear  kindred  and  loved  ones.  Oh,  what  a  company,  beckon- 
ing me  over  to  that  happy  shore  !  My  spirit  gave  a  bound  to  meet 
them ;  I  thought  I  was  going  right  over.  Jesus  looked  at  me  and 
said  :  '  Wilt  thou  now  go  and  enter  into  the  mansion  prepared  for 
thee  and  possess  that  glorious  inheritance,  or  wilt  thou  fo?'  My  sake 
stay  awhile  longer  on  earth  to  work  for  Me  and  win  souls  for 
heaven  ? '  Immediately  I  felt  entirely  willing  to  remain,  and  re- 
plied :  '  Most  gladly  will-  I  tarry  in  this  vale  of  tears,  and  do  and 
suffer  anything  for  my  blessed  Jesus,  who  hath  "loved  me,  and 
given  Himself  for  me."  '  And  oh  !  what  a  height  of  holy  joy,  what 
a  glow  of  sacred  rapture  I  felt  at  the  thought  of  being  an  instru- 
ment in  the  advancement  of  Christ's  kingdom  in  the  world  !     It 

*  The  Eev.  John  J.  Matthias. 


48  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

even  surpassed  the  bliss  I  had  felt  at  the  prospect  of  entering 
heaven.  Never  before  had  the  work  of  soul-saving  appeared  to 
me  as  it  did  then. 

"  On  my  reply  that  it  would  be  my  highest  pleasure  to  stay  and 
work  for  Jesus,  He  gave  me  such  a  look  of  love.  Oh  1  that  look  ! 
Never  can  I  forget  the  ineffable  sweetness  and  beniguity  of  His 
countenance,  as  He  said  to  me  :  'Then  thou  shalt  not  die,  but 
live ;  live  to  glorify  Me  on  the  earth,  live  to  lay  up  more  treasures 
in  heaven  and  to  add  to  the  "eternal  weight  of  glory  "  reserved  for 
thee  on  high,  making  it  "far  more  exceeding  "  what  it  would  have 
been,  had  not  thy  stay  on  earth  been  prolonged.' 

"In  that  very  hour  I  felt  a  change  throughout  my  whole  system 
that  seemed  almost  a  resurrection  from  death,  having  been  so  nearly 
gone  that  my  friends  could  scarcely  perceive  life  remaining. 

"  Immediately  after  I  heard  the  words  of  Jesus,  'Thou  shalt  not 
die,  but  live,'  etc.,  I  opened  my  eyes  and  spoke.  Very  soon  after,  I 
raised  my  head  and  took  nourishment,  and  in  three  hours  sat  up 
in  the  bed  and  felt  perfectly  well.  The  following  day  I  was  out  of 
bed,  and  my  recovery  was  so  rapid  that  my  friends  were  all  aston- 
ished, considering  my  quick  restoration  as  almost  miraculous." 

On  this,  as  on  other  occasions  in  the  life  of  this  child 
of  God,  perfect  rest  in  Jesus  was  important  among  the 
helpful  influences.  Many  will  forever  rejoice  that  her 
earthly  career  did  not  then  terminate. 

In  another  letter  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Matthias,  allusion  is 
made  to  one  portion  of  the  bitter  cup  placed  to  her  lips 
about  the  time  of  this  sickness,  the  illness  and  death  of 
her  honored  father.  From  the  time  of  Mary's  conver- 
sion she  had  felt  the  deepest  solicitude  that  this  relative 
should  come  into  the  clear  light  of  the  divine  favor.  As 
we  have  seen,  she  sought  in  many  ways  to  turn  his 
thoughts  to  the  great  subject.  But,  up  to  the  time  of 
his  last  illness,  he  had  not  given  expression  to  assured 
hope  in  Christ.  To  this  friend,  who  could  so  well  under- 
stand her  feelings,  she  says : 


EARLY  CONFLICTS  AND   TRIUMPHS.  49 

The  scene  of  my  dear  father's  last  illness  and  death  was  heart- 
rending. For  three  weeks  I  watched  over  him,  saw  his  agonies, 
pored  over  his  eternal  state,  wept  and  prayed  and  mourned  till 
mind  and  body  were  nearly  prostrated.  Indeed,  the  shock  to  my 
nervous  system  was  so  violent  that  I  have  scarcely  yet  recovered 
from  it.  The  idea  of  my  beloved  parent's  dying  without  hope  was 
insupportable.  At  last  my  dear  father  gave  us  more  hope  than  I 
had  before  received  of  his  preparation  for  heaven,  and  I  doubt  not 
that  he  is  now  participating  in  its  joys. 

Such  were  some  of  the  trials  through  which  this  child 
of  God  passed  early  in  her  career.  In  the  same  letter  to 
the  Kew  Mr.  Matthias  she  thus  describes  the  results  of 
all  these  afflictions : 

I  shall  ever  praise  God  for  the  sickness  which  I  have  endured, 
and  especially  for  the  affliction  of  last  year.  It  was  a  blessing  of 
incalculable  value,  the  effects  of  which  I  trust  will  be  lasting  as 
eternity.  I  had  given  myself  to  God  before,  and  had  enjoyed 
much  of  His  presence  and  a  continual  sense  of  His  favor,  but  that 
visitation  made  me  more  intimately  acquainted  with  my  own  heart 
and  brought  the  deep  things  of  God  more  fully  into  view,  yes,  into 
possession.  I  had  seen  expanded  before  me  the  boundless  sea  of 
love ;  I  had  stepped  into  its  edge,  and  bathed  my  soul  in  its  all- 
healing  waters.  I  was  pressing  onward,  too,  sinking  deeper  and 
deeper,  but  then  I  seemed  to  lose  all  hold  of  earth,  and  lost  myself 
in  the  fathomless  ocean.  I  think  I  have  not  come  back  again  to 
shore,  but  trust  I  have  been  going  farther  and  farther  out.  If,  at 
any  time,  I  happen  to  cast  my  eye  toward  the  land,  it  seems  enve- 
loped with  gloom  and  surrounded  witli  dangerous  rocks  which  I 
shudder  to  think  of  approaching,  and  I  turn  my  back  to  the 
dark,  appalling  scene  and  look  with  augmented  eagerness  after  the 
port  of  endless  day,  and  steer  thither  with  accelerated  speed. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  illness  which  has  been  de- 
scribed, a  strong  impression  was  made  upon  the  mind  of 
the  invalid  that  she  was  about  to  pass  through  a  fiery 
ordeal,  but  that  the  Savior  would  be  with  her,  and  bear 
a 


50  THE  LIFE  OF  MR  8.  JAMES. 

her  safely  through.  A  part  of  this  ordeal  was  the  pros- 
tration of  Mary's  mother,  who  was  so  ill  that  it  seemed 
impossible  that  she  should  recover. 

Then  all  the  family  were  taken  sick,  and  the  faithful  nurse  and 
housekeeper  died,  and  in  the  midst  of  all  the  trouble  they  were 
left  without  any  one  to  take  care  of  them,  only  as  a  neighbor 
would  happen  to  come  in.  Then  came  the  fiery  darts  of  the  Adver- 
sary. If  God  had  not  interposed  to  save  her  from  a  repining  spirit 
she  would  have  been  overcome.  But  man's  extremity  is  God's  op- 
portunity "to  show  himself  strong  in  behalf  of  them  whose  heart  is 
perfect  toward  Him." 

"  Who  in  the  strength  of  Jesus  trusts 
Is  more  than  conqueror." 

Entire  submission  to  the  divine  will  did  not  keep  this 
well-instructed  Christian  from  earnest,  faith-filled  prayer 
in  behalf  of  her  suffering  relatives,  any  more  than  it 
prevented  the  use  of  such  means  as  God's  providence 
placed  within  reach  to  bring  back  health  and  strength. 
The  cloud  passed  over  and  joy  filled  every  heart,  espe- 
cially that  of  Mary. 

This  season  of  physical  suffering  was  soon  followed  by 
agony  still  more  intense. 

Her  books,  so  long  laid  aside,  were  eagerly  sought,  and,  that  she 
might  redeem  the  time  lost,  she  studied  with  great  assiduity.  The 
Bible,  most  prized  and  loved  of  all,  was  now  of  more  value  than 
ever.  In  order  to  obtain  a  more  thorough  understanding  of  the 
Scriptures,  she  procured  commentaries  and  doctrinal  books,  Armin- 
ian,  Calvinistic,  and  others,  examining  them  on  each  passage  as  she 
read.  Disposed  to  reason  upon  and  investigate  every  important 
point,  her  mind  soon  became  perplexed  and  involved  in  a  labyrinth 
from  which  she  could  not  extricate  herself. 

In  the  Calvinistic  interpretations  there  seemed  to  her  much  that 
Was  plausible,  and  she  would  almost  adopt  them ;  then  the  theory 


EARLY  CONFLICTS  AND   TRIUMPHS.  51 

of  Dr.  Adam  Clarke  would  be  entirely  different:  sometimes  one 
seemed  more  reasonable,  sometimes  the  other.  Now  the  Univer- 
salist  views  on  some  points  were  presented  to  her  mind  as  most 
likely  to  be  true;  then  the  Unitarian;  and  at  length  all  was  confu- 
sion :  her  mind  became  a  perfect  chaos. 

Then  came  the  Arch-Deceiver,  but  she  knew  not  'twas  he.  He 
suggested,  "  This  whole  system  of  religion,  these  creeds  of  men,  are 
all  as  the  'baseless  fabric  of  a  vision.'  There  is  no  foundation,  real 
and  solid,  for  any  of  them.  *  'The  Bible  is  a  nose  of  wax,'  just  as 
Elias  Hicks  said.  Men  may  make  anything  they  choose  out  of  it. 
How  do  we  know  there  is  any  truth  in  it  at  all  ?  If  there  be  some 
truth,  how  much  that  is  false  may  be  mixed  up  with  it  ?  As  to  the 
existence  of  a  Supreme,  Almighty,  and  All-wise  Being,  that  is  evi- 
dent ;  all  nature  proves  that ;  but  that  such  a  Being  takes,  cogni- 
zance of,  and  cares  for,  the  human  race,  how  do  we  know  ?  The 
whole  thing  is  involved  in  impenetrable  obscurity,  and  it  is  pre- 
sumptuous arrogance  for  any  human  being  to  profess  to  understand 
and  explain  these  things." 

And  here  for  years  she  had  been  living  in  a  kind  of  Elysium  of 
her  own  creation,  imagining  that  the  great  God  of  the  universe 
loved  her,  took  special  care  of  her,  and  even  revealed  himself  to  her 
in  conscious  communion,  speaking  words  of  cheer  in  her  troubles, 
and  imparting  richest  comforts  and  sweetest  joys  to  her  heart. 
Now,  all  this  seemed  to  be  a  delusion,  and  the  religion  of  the 
sects  a  myth.  She  had  waked  as  from  a  beautiful  dream  to  find 
herself  deceived.  There  is  no  Hereafter ;  man  dies  as  the  brutes 
that  perish,  no  more  of  him  after  death ;  and  she  need  not  please 
herself  with  the  hope  of  that  heaven  of  bliss  as  her  future  and 
eternal  home.  So  she  might  as  well  make  the  most  of  this 
world,  seek  its  pleasures,  revel  in  its  delights  and  do  as  she 
pleased. 

Her  artful  foe  had  hurried  her  so  rapidly  onward  down  this  de- 
clivity, that,  when  she  found  herself  low  in  the  valley  and  envel- 
oped in  the  dense  mists  of  skepticism,  she  began  to  realize  her  dread- 
ful condition,  and  in  hopeless  agony  exclaimed,  "Alas!  alas!  I  am 
undone !     Oh,  can  it  be  that  I  have  been  deceived  all  this  time  ? 

*  This  remark  was  made  in  a  discourse  to  which  Mary  listened  with  her  father, 
who  was  an  admirer  of  the  famous  Quaker  preacher. 


52  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

That  those  sweet  enjoyments  and  hallowed  communings  were  all 
imaginary  ?  I  wish  the  illusion  had  not  passed  away,  if  it  was  an 
illusion.  O  that  it  had  stayed  to  bless  me  with  its  cheering  radi- 
ance while  I  remain  in  this  dark  world !  I  was  so  happy  !  Every- 
thing beautiful  on  earth  it  invested  with  double  charms,  and  every- 
thing gloomy  was  made  bright  with  its  lovely  radiance. 

"  Sweet,  blessed  Religion!  O  that  I  could  have  held  the  charm- 
ing angel  fast  through  life's  dreary  pilgrimage  and  died  in  her 
embrace  !  for,  though  deceptive,  she  had  such  a  wondrous  power 
to  bless.  Now  I  have  nothing  to  supply  the  place  of  that  sweet 
comforter.  As  for  the  world,  what  is  it  but  a  painted  bubble  ? 
And  how  soon  I  must  leave  it,  even  if  it  could  make  me  happy. 
And  then  the  dark  future — oblivion,  eternal  sleep !  How  revolting 
to  an  intelligent  mind  to  live  a  butterfly  life  and  die  as  the  but- 
terfly !  No  Hereafter — how  can  it  be  ?  What  are  all  these  powers 
for,  with  which  we  are  endowed  ?  and  why  these  aspirations  for 
something  higher,  nobler,  holier,  and  more  enduring  than  earth 
can  afford  ?  Surely  it  must  be  that  the  great  Creator  has  put 
these  desires  in  us  to  be  satisfied,  not  to  mock  us.  O  that  I  could 
know!  What  agony!  What  anguish  insupportable  thus  to  be 
left  in  utter  darkness  !  " 

That  night  as  she  reclined  upon  her  bed  she  wept  in  the  bitter- 
ness of  despair,  lamenting  and  groaning  as  she  remembered  how 
tranquil  and  sweet  had  been  her  repose  each  night  before  that  sad, 
sad  night.  "I  have  always  resigned  myself  to  sleep  so  sweetly," 
she  said,  "believing  I  had  an  almighty  Protector,  that  the  Ever- 
lasting Arms  were  round  and  underneath  me.  I  feared  no  evil, 
because  I  thought  the  Eye  that  never  sleeps  was  watching  over  me. 
I  rested  so  securely  beneath  the  shadow  of  His  wings  ;  and  as  I 
opened  my  eyes  each  morning  I  could  say  when  I  awoke,  I  am  still 
witli  Thee.  And  is  that  blessedness  to  be  mine  no  more  ?  Is  it 
gone,  gone  forever  ?  "  Then  she  burst  into  a  flood  of  tears,  and 
wept  till  it  seemed  as  if  she  must  die  in  the  extremity  of  her  grief. 
Hour  after  hour  she  lay  in  sleepless  agony. 

In  the  depths  of  her  anguish,  when  heart  and  flesh  were  fail- 
ing and  reason  reeling,  she  heard  a  whisper,  it  seemed  like  a  heav- 
enly messenger,  "  Pray  once  more."  She  said,  "  Why  should  I  pray  ? 
It  can  do  me  no  good.  Indeed,  I  dare  not  pray  to  God  ;  it  would 
be  the  greatest  presumption  to  think  that  the  Creator  of  the  uni- 


EARLY  CONFLICTS  AND   TRIUMPHS.  53 

verse  cares  for  me,  or  would  deign  to  notice  my  prayer."  Again 
the  gentle  voice  said,  "  Kneel  and  pray  once  more."  "Well,"  said 
she,  "  I  can  be  no  more  miserable  than  I  am,  even  if  God  should 
spurn  me  from  His  presence,  and  kill  me  ;  I  should  then  be  out  of 
my  misery,  and  I  will  pray  once  more." 

Rising  from  her  bed,  she  knelt  in  speechless  awe  and  grief, 
the  flood  of  feeling  rising  higher  and  higher,  till  she  could  no 
longer  restrain  it,  and  crying  aloud,  with  heart  and  hands  and  eyes 
uplifted  to  heaven,  she  said,  "  O  if  there  be  a  God  who  has  power 
and  mercy  to  deliver  me  from  this  whirlpool  of  despair,  I  implore 
Him  to  save  me !     I  cast  myself  upon  His  compassion  !  " 

Waiting  in  ardent,  breathless  expectation  of  something,  she 
knew  not  what,  for  all  this  time  she  had  lost  sight  of  Jesus,  and 
had  no  thought  of  a  mediator,  suddenly  the  same  sweet  voice  spoke 
again:  "Repeat  the  name  of  Jesus."  She  whispered,  "Jesus!" 
There  seemed  a  strange  sweetness  in  it;  again  she  said  it,  a  little 
louder,  "Jesus!  "  Again  and  again  and  again  she  repeated  it,  and 
every  time  new  light  darted  into  her  soul;  and  then,  all  at  once 
a  dense  cloud  parted  and  revealed  the  form  of  her  own  loving 
Jesus,  and  she  exclaimed,  "Oh,  it  is  my  Jesus!  My  Jesus!  My 
Savior!"  And  then,  encircled  in  His  arms,  her  trembling  soul, 
as  a  poor  wounded  dove  that  had  escaped  from  the  snare  of  the 
fowler,  nestled  in  His  bosom  and  was  at  rest. 

"The  name  of  the  Lord  is  a  strong  tower;  the  righteous  run- 
neth mto  it  and  is  safe,"  was  gloriously  verified  in  this  case.  What 
marvelous  power  is  in  the  name  of  Jesus !  Overwhelmed  with  the 
stupendous  grace  and  love  of  her  Redeemer,  she  wanted  to  weep 
her  life  away  for  having  lost  sight  of  Him,  and,  sobbing  as  a  little 
child,  she  said,  "Dear  Savior,  I  did  love  Thee,  I'm  sure  I  did  love 
Thee  with  all  my  heart.  What  did  I  do  to  make  Thee  leave  me  to 
my  cruel  foe  ?  "  He  said,  "I  did  not  leave  thee  for  one  moment.  I 
have  been  near  thee  all  the  time,  though  invisible  to  thee.  A  les- 
son thou  shalt  learn  from  this,  to  take  the  simple  word  of  God  for 
thy  guide.  Let  doctrinal  controversies  alone ;  cease  reasoning  on 
things  above  thy  comprehension;  never  listen  to  the  tempter;  keep 
thine  eyes  fixed  alone  on  Me." 

Then  she  saw  what  had  brought  her  into  the  net  of  the  destroyer, 
and  repented  in  deep  humiliation  and  contrition,  resolving  never 
again  to  run  after  diverse  doctrines  and  opinions  of  men,  but  to 


54  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

keep  in  the  straightforward  path  of  obedience,  simply  looking  unto 
Jesus. 

The  light,  love,  and  power  divine  which  then  were  imparted  gave 
her  such  clear  views  of  the  plan  of  redemption  and  the  fullness  and 
glory  of  the  Gospel  of  Christ  as  she  never  had  previously.  "With 
holy  carefulness  she  has  pursued  the  course  therein  marked  out, 
and  has  never  since  been  troubled  about  doctrines. 


CHAPTEE  YIII. 


HALLOWED    FRIENDSHIPS. 


No  influences  proved  more  helpful  in  the  develop- 
ment of  the  character  we  are  contemplating  than  those 
growing  out  of  Mary  Yard's  intimate  association  with 
Christians  of  deep  and  rich  experience.  It  has  already- 
been  made  apparent  that  her  pastors  found  in  her  one  to 
whose  spiritual  culture  it  was  a  privilege  to  devote  special 
attention.  Scarcely  less  elevating  was  her  intimacy  with 
a  lady  near  her  own  age,  whose  name  ever  lingered  in  her 
memory,  Miss  Sarah  Langstroth,  afterward  the  wife  of 
the  Rev.  Thomas  Brainard,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 
The  parents  of  Miss  Langstroth  resided  about  a  mile  from 
Trenton,  and  it  was  Mary's  delight  to  visit  their  home 
and  commune  with  this  cherished  friend.  Though  Mr. 
Langstroth's  family  were  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  their  large  liberality  led  them  to  offer  the  hospi- 
talities of  their  house  to  the  lovers  of  Jesus,  irrespective 
of  sect  or  name.  This  admirable  spirit  was  infused  into 
their  daughter's  heart.  In  her  intimacy  with  Mary  she 
influenced  her  also  to  partake  of  the  same  Christlike  feel- 
ings, to  love  fervently  all  who  bear  the  Savior's  image, 
whether  of  her  own  church  or  not.  For  this  she  was 
specially  thankful.  Through  such  beautiful  examples  of 
Christian  liberality,  and  from  the  teachings  of  the  Spirit 
and  the  Word,  she  learned  that  Jesus  would  have  us 
come  into  an  atmosphere  of  pure  love : 

"  Where  names  and  sects  and  parties  fall, 
And  Christ  the  Lord  is  all  in  all." 


56  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

The  two  Christian  hearts  thus  closely  joined  helped 
each  other,  and  the  marriage  of  Miss  Langstroth,  and 
her  removal  to  Cincinnati,  0.,  was  cause  of  mutual  sor- 
row. Only  once,  after  this  separation,  were  these  two 
friends  permitted  to  meet  on  earth. 

Their  theme  was  the  deep  things  of  God.  As  they  together  bowed 
in  supplication  for  the  fuller  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost  for  prepa- 
ration for  the  work  assigned  to  each,  the  sacred  influence  came 
down  upon  their  waiting  souls,  and  they  were  surrounded  by  the 
divine  presence,  and  felt  their  renewed  offering  was  accepted. 

Suddenly  Mrs.  Brainard  started  as  if  awakened  from  a  reverie, 
saying,  "Mary,  it  may  be  that  I  needed  this  baptism  as  a  prepara- 
tion for  heaven.  Would  it  not  be  strange  if  I  should  return  to  Cin- 
cinnati, and  take  the  cholera,  and  die  ?  It  may  be  so,  and,  dear 
Mary,  it  seems  to  me  we  shall  never  meet  on  earth  again.  How 
sweet  has  been  our  friendship,  how  hallowed  our  intercourse!  I 
have  thanked  God  many  times  for  our  fellowship,  and  if  we  meet  no 
more  below  we  shall  surely  have  a  reunion  above.  Our  friendship 
is  not  to  end  with  this  life ;  it  is  to  be  perpetuated  through  endless 
ages,  for  we  are  united  in  Jesus. 

"And  if  our  fellowship  below 
In  Jesus  be  so  sweet, 
What  heights  of  rapture  shall  we  know 
When  round  His  throne  we  meet?" 

It  was,  indeed,  their  last  meeting.  The  cholera  had  been  raging 
in  Cincinnati  previous  to  Mrs.  Brain ard's  leaving  it  to  visit  her 
home,  and,  with  her  devoted  husband,  she  had  ministered  to  the 
sick  and  dying  night  and  day,  till  the  fearful  scourge  had  spent  its 
fury  and  very  few  cases  remained.  Those  faithful  ones  had  come 
home  seeking  a  respite  from  toil  and  renewed  strength  for  future 
labors.  They  returned  and  found  scarcely  a  case  of  the  cholera  in  the 
city,  but  very  soon  Mrs.  Brainard  was  seized  with  alarming  symp- 
toms, and  in  a  few  hours  passed  away  to  the  presence  of  the  dear 
Savior,  whose  work  she  loved  more  than  anything  besides. 

James  Brainard  Taylor  was  another  of  God's  choice 


HALLOWED  FRLENDSHIPS.  57 

spirits  with  whom  Mary  Yard  came  in.  contact  in  those 
days  of  her  girlhood.  The  writer  of  these  pages  in  his 
youth  read  with  pleasure  and  profit  the  memoir  of  this 
saintly  young  man.  The  record  of  his  entire  devotion  to 
God,  of  his  ecstatic  religious  experience,  and  his  useful- 
ness while  a  student  at  Lawrenceville  Academy  and 
Princeton  College,  and  afterward,  during  his  brief  but 
brilliant  career  as  a  minister  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
profoundly  impressed  the  student  who  read  the  book, 
and  personal  contact  with  Mr.  Taylor  left  a  deep  impres- 
sion upon  the  mind  of  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  who 
thus  writes  of  him  : 

It  was  during  the  second  pastorate  in  Trenton  of  the  Rev.  Joseph 
Lybrand  that  the  devoted  J.  B.  Taylor  frequently  spent  his  Sab- 
baths there  for  the  purpose  of  hearing  Mr.  Lybrand  preach.  The 
union  of  those  two  kindred  minds  brought  them  often  together,  and 
they  enjoyed  sweetest  fellowship.  In  some  of  these  seasons  of  com- 
munion Mary  was  permitted  to  share,  and  as  she  recalls  their  words, 
so  full  of  Jesus  and  heaven,  and  their  countenances,  so  radiant  with 
the  glory  which  shone  upon  them  from  above,  her  heart  is  thrilled 
with  the  remembrance.  What  a  mysterious  charm  there  is  about 
those  who  bear  the  image  of  the  heavenly,  and  what  a  power  attends 
their  communications ! 

During  the  visit  to  Newark,  ~N.  J.,  elsewhere  men- 
tioned as  made  necessary  on  account  of  Mary's  fail- 
ing health,  she  met  several  whose  Christian  friendship 
was  ever  after  highly  prized.  Among  these  were  the 
Rev.  John  J.  Matthias  and  his  wife.  To  Mr.  Matthias 
some  of  her  most  deeply  spiritual  letters  were  addressed, 
and  from  him  she  received  much  valuable  counsel  at  this 
interesting  period  of  her  Christian  career.  Another  life- 
friendship  formed  at  this  time  was  that  with  Miss  Char- 
lotte Thibou,  afterward  the  wife  of  the  Rev.  Edmund  S. 
3* 


58  TUB  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAME8. 

Janes,  for  many  years  one  of  the  bishops  of  the  Method- 
ist Episcopal  Church.  To  Miss  Thibou,  as  afterward  to 
Mrs.  Janes,  Mary  was  indebted  for  many  hours  of  rich 
enjoyment  while  visiting  her  at  her  own  home. 

Miss  Yard's  first  visit  to  Miss  Thibou  in  New  York 
was  an  occasion  never  to  be  forgotten,  because  it  intro- 
duced her  into  that  circle  of  devoted  followers  of  Jesus 
with  whom  she  was  so  intimately  associated  until  the 
last  moment  of  her  life.  During  this  visit  she  was  per- 
mitted for  the  first  time  to  attend  a  meeting  specially 
for  the  promotion  of  Christian  holiness.  This  meeting 
was  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  John  Harper.  Some  facts  in 
regard  to  it  will  be  found  in  another  chapter. 

As  the  friendships  of  this  large-hearted  young  Christian 
were  not  confined  within  the  limits  of  sect,  so  they  were 
not  affected  by  feelings  of  caste.  From  her  girlhood  she 
was  greatly  helped  by  contact  with  one  in  a  very  hum- 
ble sphere.  A  little  24mo  pamphlet,  now  published  by 
Palmer  &  Hughes,  New  York,  gives  Reminiscences  of 
Ann  Herbert,  by  Mrs.  Mary  D.  James.     In  this  it  is  said  : 

In  early  childhood  deprived  of  her  parents,  Ann  Herbert  was 
placed  under  unfavorable  influences,  having  no  religious  instruc- 
tion nor  any  restraints  upon  her  evil  propensities.  To  use  her  own 
words,  she  was  "as  wicked  as  Satan  wanted  her  to  be." 

She  naturally  possessed  a  most  irritable  and  malicious 
temper,  "  which  frequently  manifested  itself."  She  was 
converted  in  youth  and  subsequently  gained,  by  grace,  a 
victory  over  her  natural  temper  so  marvelous  as  to  make 
her  ever  after  a  beautiful  example  of  Christlike  self-con- 
trol. During  Mary  Yard's  childhood  and  youth,  Ann 
Herbert  was  living  as  a  domestic  in  the  family  of  a 
neighbor,  and  was  accustomed  to  call  frequently  upon  a 


HALLOWED  FRIENDSHIPS.  59 

young  woman  occupying  a  similar  place  in  Mr.  Yard's 
family.     The  author  of  the  Reminiscences  remarks  : 

Although  so  many  years  have  passed  since  it  was  my  privilege 
to  commune  with  that  saint  of  God,  the  beautiful  exhibition  of 
divine  grace  in  her  spirit  and  life  is  as  vivid  to  my  mind  as  though 
it  were  of  recent  occurrence.  I  love  to  cherish  the  remembrance 
of  her  radiant  countenance,  her  glowing  expressions  of  love  to 
Jesus,  her  sweet  communion  with  Him,  her  enrapturing  views  of 
His  character,  and  her  perfect  delight  in  His  service,  investing  the 
religion  she  professed  with  charms  that  excited  in  my  young  heart 
a  longing  desire  to  be  such  a  Christian  as  Ann  Herbert. 

When  Ann's  voice  was  heard,  no  attraction  of  the  parlor  or  sit- 
ting-room could  equal  that  of  the  kitchen,  and  I  would  hasten  to 
listen  with  eagerness  to  her  burning  words  about  Jesus,  for  there 
was  a  charm  in  her  words  and  manner  of  setting  forth  the  wonders 
of  His  grace  that  quite  captivated  me. 

Thus  early  did  Mary  Yard  learn  to  trace  the  linea- 
ments of  her  divine  Master  in  character,  whatever  the 
sphere  in  which  its  possessor  moved,  a  lesson  that  she 
never  forgot.  Her  cherished  friends  were,  many  of  them, 
among  the  lowly,  who  were  admired  and  loved  for  what 
they  bore  of  the  image  of  the  Heavenly. 

The  reader  must  have  seen  that  in  the  surroundings  of 
this  Christian  maiden  there  was  an  element  of  peril,  as 
well  as  much  to  help.  Such  attentions  as  were  lavished 
upon  Mary  Yard  would  have  utterly  "  spoiled  "  almost 
any  one.  The  only  daughter  of  parents  ardently  attached 
to  their  children,  especially  to  this  pet  of  the  household, 
with  eight  older  brothers  to  gladly  own  her  sway,  so  pre- 
cocious as  to  receive  the  commendation  of  all  her  teachers, 
with  personal  charms  of  a  high  order,  great  beauty  of 
character,  and  rare  conversational  powers,  she  would 
have  been  a  star  in  almost  any  social  firmament.  Her 
"  talent,"  or  gift  of  expression  on  religious  subjects,  when 


60  THE  LIFE  OF  MBS.  JAMES. 

used  in  the  social  meetings  of  those  days,  must  have  made 
her  seem  almost  superhuman.  It  would  have  been  strange 
indeed  if  this  young  girl,  thus  endowed,  praised,  and  pet- 
ted by  the  injudicious,  and  highly  esteemed  by  all,  could 
have  truly  said,  "  None  of  these  things  move  me."  Pos- 
sibly a  close  and  critical  observer  might  have  detected  in 
her  the  effects  of  the  many  expressions  of  regard  lavished 
upon  her.  Such  a  critic  might  even  find  between  the 
lines  in  her  letters  indications  that  she  was  more  than 
pleased  with  the  love  and  admiration  she  received.  Cer- 
tainly she  was  naturally  remarkably  fond  of  praise,  as 
well  as  sensitive  to  the  slightest  word  or  hint  of  censure. 
There  is  abundant  evidence  that  she  realized  her  clanger 
in  this  direction.  Her  thoughts  on  this  subject  are  thus 
presented : 

Often  did  Mary  thank  God  for  the  light  that  was  given  her  to  see 
the  snare  of  the  Adversary  and  to  guard  with  great  carefulness 
against  the  first  approach  of  temptation.  Ever  was  the  prayer 
ascending  from  her  heart : 

"  Quick  as  the  apple  of  an  eye, 
0  God,  my  conscience  make, 
Awake  my  soul  when  sin  is  nigh, 
And  keep  it  still  awake." 

There  were  times  when  she  needed  encouragement  from  those  of 
a  wise  and  understanding  heart.  When  suitable  words  were  spoken 
from  pure  motives  she  thanked  God  and  took  courage.  But  when 
the  tempter  would  take  advantage  of  such  words  and  suggest :  ' '  You 
are  doing  a  wonderful  work.  You  are  remarkably  endowed  with 
power,"  she  would  see  "the  cloven  foot,"  and  say:  "Get  thee  be- 
hind me,  Satan,"  and  flee  from  the  snare  as  from  the  face  of  a 
serpent. 

Of  all  the  fatal  rocks  upon  which  Christians  are  liable  to  be 
wrecked  this  one  seems  most  to  be  dreaded,  because  so  concealed, 
so  little  apprehended  or  thought  of.  Before  one  is  aware,  the 
Heavenly  Dove  is  grieved  and  takes  His  departure,  self  becomes  re- 


HALLOWED  FRIENDSHIPS.  61 

enthroned  in  the  heart,  and  the  Adversary  gains  his  object.  .  .  . 
O  to  be  kept  among  the  little  ones  down  at  the  feet  of  Jesus,  full 
of  love  that  "  vaunteth  not  itself,  is  not  puffed  up,  doth  not  behave 
itself  unseemly." 

If,  in  the  weakness  of  human  nature,  of  which  she  was 
always  painfully  conscious,  Mary  Yard  erred  in  this  mat- 
ter, it  was  in  spite  of  constantly  guarding  against  such 
errors.  This  fault  was  so  abhorrent  to  all  the  desires  and 
feelings  of  her  sanctified  nature,  that  if  there  were  any 
yielding  in  this  direction,  it  was  unconscious  and  involun- 
tary. 

Courtship  and  Marriage. 

It  would  have  been  contrary  to  all  human  experience 
if  one  so  attractive  as  was  the  young  lady  whose  history 
we  are  tracing  had  reached  womanhood  without  receiv- 
ing the  special  attentions  of  young  men  whose  thoughts 
were  turned  toward  matrimony.  A  chapter  in  Fifty 
Years'  Walk  with  Jesus  details  what  is  termed  "  a  re- 
ligious courtship."  By  way  of  introduction  it  is  re- 
marked : 

The  subject  of  marriage,  from  its  first  presentation  to  Mary's 
mind,  seemed  to  involve  momentous  considerations.  The  earliest 
indications  of  an  attachment  to  her  on  the  part  of  a  gentleman 
caused  her  to  hasten  to  the  throne  of  grace  and  implore  the  Holy 
Spirit's  guidance  and  control  that  her  affections  might  not  be 
given  to  an  improper  object,  and  that  she  might  clearly  see  her 
duty.  When  convinced  that  she  ought  not  to  give  encouragement, 
she  at  once  manifested  her  decision,  so  that  the  attention  and  affec- 
tion which  she  could  not  reciprocate  might  be  averted.  Several 
attachments  were  thus  nipped  in  the  bud  because  she  believed  they 
were  not  according  to  the  will  of  God. 

In  her  twenty-fourth  year  she  became  intimately  acquainted  with 
a  young  man,  a  member  of  the  same  church  with  herself,  whose 


62  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

attentions  she  decided,  after  much  prayer,  to  receive.  At  the  first 
interview  during  which  the  matter  was  talked  over,  the  two  to- 
gether sought  in  earnest  prayer  the  divine  direction  and  blessing. 
Indeed,  it  was  their  habit  whenever  they  were  together  to  devote 
part  of  the  time  to  Scripture  reading  and  prayer. 

At  the  beginning  of  their  courtship  Mary  had  some  fears  that  her 
mind  might  be  diverted  from  the  central  point  of  bliss  when  she 
should  feel  her  affections  going  out  toward  an  earthly  object,  and 
most  earnestly  she  besought  the  Lord  that  her  devotion  to  Him 
might  not  be  diminished,  but  that  her  communion  with  her  friend 
might  bring  them  both  in  closer  union  with  Jesus.  The  thought 
of  the  possibility  of  losing  the  ardor  of  her  love  for  the  altogether 
lovely  One  caused  a  pang  of  unutterable  anguish. 

When  pouring  out  her  soul  before  Him  she  would  say,  ' '  Precious 
Savior,  let  me  die  now  rather  than  live  to  be  a  backslider  in  heart 
or  to  become  engrossed  with  earthly  things  and  lose  sight  of  Thee. 
Never,  O  never  let  the  time  come  when  I  shall  cease  to  say: 

'  Thou  art  the  sea  of  love 

Where  all  my  pleasures  roll; 
The  circle  where  my  passions  move, 
And  center  of  my  soul.' " 

Daily  she  examined  her  heart  to  see  if  Jesus  still  held  the  suprem- 
acy, and  if  she  found  her  thoughts  much  upon  the  earthly  one 
who  claimed  a  share  of  her  love,  she  felt  jealous  for  Christ  lest  He 
should  be  supplanted.  Then,  with  tears,  she  would  hasten  to  the 
Beloved  of  her  soul  to  tell  Him  he  should  not  lose  His  place  in  her 
heart.  Her  allegiance  and  devotion  to  Him  must  not,  should  not, 
be  interfered  with.  Such  tokens  of  His  love  and  sweet  revelations 
of  His  presence  were  given  her  that  her  heart  would  exult  in  the 
realization  that  Jesus  was  still  reigning  there,  and  she  would  leave 
the  place  of  prayer  singing  : 

"Dear  Savior,  let  Thy  beauties  be 
My  soul's  eternal  food  ; 
And  grace  command  my  heart  away 
From  all  created  good." 

During  the  whole  period  of  her  courtship  she  was  not  conscious 


HALLOWED  FRLENDSHIPS.  63 

of  any  departure  from  God,  either  in  heart  or  in  conduct.  All  their 
association  was  sanctified  by  the  presence  and  fellowship  of  Jesus, 
and  they  felt  and  acted  as  if  conscious  of  His  inspection. 

A  young  lady  friend  came  from  a  distant  place  to  visit  Mary,  and 
first  having  an  interview  with  her  mother,  said  :  "I  have  come  on 
purpose  to  find  out  whether  it  is  possible  for  a  courtship  to  be 
carried  on  by  a  devoted  Christian  without  spiritual  loss.  I  have 
doubted  if  it  could  be  done,  and  thought  if  I  could  learn  that  Mary 
is  still  as  devoted  as  ever  I  should  be  convinced  that  I  was  mis- 
taken. Now,  I  want  to  know  if  she  is  still  the  same  ?  "  Her 
mother  replied  that  she  had  seen  no  change,  and  added  :  "  While 
they  read  the  Bible  and  pray  together  at  every  interview,  I  don't 
think  there  is  much  danger  of  backsliding."  In  a  conversation 
with  her  friend,  Miss  Yard  stated  that  she  had  not  felt  any  spiritual 
loss,  and  added  :  "It  cannot  be  that  an  institution  in  the  order  of 
God,  and  sanctioned  by  the  presence  of  Jesus  during  his  sojourn 
on  earth,  can  be  incompatible  with  purity  of  heart  and  union  and 
communion  with  God." 

In  the  summer  of  1834  there  was  a  very  quiet  wedding 
in  Mrs.  Yard's  parlor.  The  bride-elect  had  arranged  to 
have  the  ceremony  conducted  by  her  friend,  the  Rev. 
John  J.  Matthias,  then  presiding  elder  of  the  district  in 
which  Trenton  was  included.  Without  ostentation,  and 
with  the  same  spirit  of  entire  devotion  to  God  which  then 
for  more  than  a  dozen  years  had  characterized  all  her 
conduct,  Mary  D.  Yard  became  Mrs.  Henry  B.  James. 

Pleasing  prospects  opened  before  the  newly  married  pair.  Happy 
in  each  other  and  happy  in  His  love  whose  favor  is  life  and  whose 
loving-kindness  is  better  than  life,  the  world  looked  very  bright 
before  them. 

The  young  husband  was  in  a  business  that  promised 
sufficient  income  to  meet  their  needs.  A  feature  of  the 
arrangement  specially  pleasing  was  that  the  bride  was 
domiciled   with  her  mother,  and  these  two  hearts,  so 


64  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

closely  united,  could  mingle  in  constant  fellowship,  thus 
ministering  not  only  to  their  mutual  enjoyment  but  to 
their  advancement  in  the  divine  life.  This  delightful  ad- 
justment of  affairs,  however,  proved  to  be  but  temporary. 
In  a  few  months  Mr.  James'  business  prospects  were 
suddenly  blighted.  The  loss  of  his  position  was  a  heavy 
trial  to  the  husband. 

With  a  sad  heart  he  broke  the  intelligence  to  his  young  wife,  but 
it  was  only  a  transient  cloud  that  obscured  the  brightness  of  the 
sunshine  of  her  soul.  The  silver  liDing  upon  the  clouds  appeared 
when  the  two  went  together  to  the  mercy-seat,  and  in  a  few  days  a 
situation  was  found  which  was  accepted  as  from  the  Father  of 
Lights,  to  whom  they  returned  heartfelt  thanks. 


PART    SECOND. 
THE   BUSY  WOMAN. 


CHAPTEK  I. 

IN   THE    NEW    HOME. 

Not  many  months  after  their  marriage  an  unexpected 
occurrence  changed  the  whole  course  of  the  lives  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  James.  The  store  in  which  Mr.  James  was  in- 
terested had  been  robbed.  This  store  was  in  "  South 
Trenton,"  then  oftener  called  "  Bloomsbury,"  at  that 
time  in  Burlington  County.  The  burglars  were  subse- 
quently arrested  and  thrown  in  jail  at  Mount  Holly,  the 
county  town.  Months  later,  the  young  merchant  was 
summoned  to  attend  their  trial.  While  awaiting  the 
proceedings  of  the  court,  Mr.  James  strolled  through  the 
Tillage  of  Mount  Holly  and  noticed  the  store  of  a  watch- 
maker. Moved  by  the  impulse  to  make  the  acquaintance 
of  one  in  his  own  line  of  business,  the  young  man  entered 
and  the  two  mechanics  were  soon  good  friends.  During 
the  interview  the  proprietor  offered  to  sell  out  his  es- 
tablishment. Easy  terms  were  offered  and  interest  was 
awakened. 

When  Mr.  James  returned  to  Trenton  the  matter  was 
talked  over  and,  of  course,  taken  to  the  Lord  in  prayer. 
The  only  difficulty,  lack  of  funds,  was  removed  by  what 


66  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

was  regarded  as  a  providential  interposition,  and  the  con- 
tract was  speedily  made,  the  young  mechanic  losing  no 
time  in  taking  possession  of  his  new  place  of  business, 
though  the  wife  could  not  then  accompany  him. 

Mrs.  James  recognized  the  opening  as  providential,  and 
entered  into  the  new  plans  with  gratitude  to  her  Heavenly 
Father.  Yet  one  feature  of  the  new  arrangement  came 
to  this  sensitive  nature  with  cruel  power.  She  must  leave 
her  fond  mother  and  go  away  among  strangers.  The 
thought  of  the  separation  proved  too  much  for  strength 
already  overtaxed,  and  weeks  of  illness  followed  the  re- 
moval of  the  husband.  At  length  the  wife  slowly  rallied 
and  prepared  to  go  to  the  new  home. 

There  was  something  extremely  pathetic  in  the  trans- 
fer of  this  frail  plant  from  the  nursery  in  which  it  had 
been  so  carefully  reared  and  so  tenderly  guarded  from 
every  rude  blast,  to  its  unwonted  surroundings.  The 
journey  was  performed  upon  a  bed  placed  in  a  carriage, 
and  all  possible  care  was  taken  to  prevent  injury  to  the 
invalid.  The  result,  however,  was  what  must  have  been 
feared.  Before  the  young  wife  could  be  comfortably 
settled  in  the  new  quarters,  certainly  before  she  was  pre- 
pared for  such  an  event,  she  became  a  mother. 

The  little  babe  seemed  not  to  have  vitality  enough  to 
warrant  the  hope  of  his  living.  Weeks  passed  before  he 
could  be  said  to  have  really  begun  to  live,  so  feeble  were 
his  attempts  at  the  functions  of  existence.  The  frail 
mother  passed  through  the  ordeal  better  than  could  have 
been  anticipated.  She  was  in  the  special  care  of  the 
Great  Physician.  To  Him  this  new  interest,  with  all 
the  others,  was  fully  committed.  As  weeks  passed,  vital 
energy  came  to  both  mother  and  child,  and  with  it  on 
her  part  new  joy  in  living  and  new  gratitude  to  God. 


IN  THE  NEW  HOME.  67 

One  cause  for  gratitude  must  not  be  unmentioned. 
Though  entirely  a  stranger,  Mrs.  James  found  among 
her  new  neighbors  the  promised  "  brothers  and  sisters 
and  mothers."  She  never  ceased  to  remember  the  cour- 
teous attentions  of  the  good  people  of  Mount  Holly,  and 
especially  of  her  sisters  in  the  Methodist  Church.  Ties 
of  kinship  could  not  have  prompted  greater  kindness. 

And  now  that  matters  are  adjusted  to  the  new  state  of 
things  would  the  reader  like  one  look  into  that  home  ? 
There  lies  before  the  writer  at  this  moment  a  manuscript, 
time-stained  and  worn,  which  gives  more  than  a  glimpse 
of  an  occurrence  there,  the  influence  of  which  cannot  yet 
be  measured,  though  half  a  century  has  passed.  The 
document  is  a  letter  which  seems  to  have  been  borne  by 
private  hands,  as  there  is  no  postmark,  to  "  Mrs.  P.  Yard, 
Trenton,  K  J."  It  is  dated  "Mount  Holly,  May  7, 
1835,"  and  opens  with  expressions  of  warmest  love  to  the 
mother  and  of  deepest  sorrow  on  account  of  their  separa- 
tion.    It  continues : 

Last  Sabbath  evening  was  a  memorable  one  to  me,  dearest 
mother.  It  was  the  first  Sabbath  that  I  had  felt  able,  since  the 
birth  of  my  babe,  to  sit  up  in  the  evening.  My  dear  Henry  spent 
the  evening  with  me,  while  Susan  (the  domestic)  went  to  meeting. 
When  we  found  ourselves  alone,  we  took  our  little  lamb,  knelt 
down,  and  offered  it  "a  living  sacrifice  unto  God,"  on  the  altar  of 
our  faith  and  prayer.  We  had  individually  given  it  to  the  Lord 
from  its  birth,  but  then,  on  that  holy  Sabbath  evening,  May  3, 
1835,  we  unitedly  presented  our  son  to  the  Most  High,  fervently 
praying  that  He  would  accept  the  offering  and  claim  our  child  for 
His  own;  that  he  might  be  dedicated  to  the  service  of  the  Living 
God  and  "  only  to  His  glory  live,  and  in  His  cause  expire."  O  my 
mother,  that  was  a  hallowed  moment.  As  our  prayers  in  holy 
unison  ascended  to  the  Highest,  in  deep  sincerity  of  soul  we  said  : 
"Take  our  darling  babe,  O  Thou  who  hast  in  mercy  lent  him  to 
us.     Take,  Thou  who  only  hast  the  right,  his  entire  services,  and 


6$  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

make  him,  as  Samuel  of  old,  to  hear  the  voice  of  the  Lord  and 
obey  the  gracious  call  even  in  his  childhood." 

Dear  mother,  I  thought  Heaven  accepted  the  offering,  for  it 
seemed  to  me  that  "glory  shone  around  "  us.  Accents  from  above 
seemed  to  fall  on  my  ear,  sweetest  words  that  I  ever  heard,  "I 
have  heard  your  prayers,  I  have  received  your  sacrifice,  I  have 
sealed  your  little  one  an  heir  of  heaven."  O,  shall  I  be  thus 
blessed,  to  be  the  mother  of  a  son  who  shall  be  devoted  to  God  ? 
Shall  I  be  instrumental  in  cultivating  and  nurturing  a  plant  for  the 
garden  of  the  Lord,  the  paradise  above  ?  What  a  delightful  task 
will  it  be  to  teach  my  little  son  the  lessons  of  piety  and  lead  him  in 
the  way  of  holiness,  and,  with  my  beloved  husband,  take  him  hand 
in  hand  to  heaven. 

Of  course  the  reader  can  feel  but  a  small  part  of  the 
interest  in  this  transaction  which  it  has  to  that  son,  but 
he  wishes  here  to  record,  with  gratitude  to  God,  the 
statement  that  the  consecration  then  made  still  holds.  It 
is  hardly  a  digression  to  glance  at  some  of  its  results. 

A  few  weeks  after  that  time  the  child  was  given  to  God 
in  baptism.  As  years  passed,  the  parents  sought  to  carry 
out  their  purpose  to  train  him  for  God.  While  yet  in 
childhood,  He  was  made  a  partaker  of  grace  divine. 
Just  before  he  reached  his  majority  the  Master  called 
him  to  preach  the  Gospel.  He  was  then  assisting  his 
father,  and  his  presence  seemed  necessary  to  the  success 
of  the  business.  The  father  hesitated,  but  the  mother 
reminded  him  of  that  dedication  of  their  first-born  to 
God.  With  tear-filled  eyes  and  quivering  lip  the  father 
said,  "  He  must  go."  For  thirty  years  he  has  tried  to 
do  the  work  of  the  best  of  masters  and  proclaim  the 
glorious,  complete  salvation  through  Christ  alone.  Yes, 
thank  God !  that  consecration  holds  ! 

Reader,  are  you  a  parent  ?  Have  you  realized  your 
privilege  to  give  your  offspring  to  Jehovah  and  expect 


IN  THE  NEW  HOME.  69 

his  covenant  blessing?  If  not,  let  him  who  owes  so 
much  to  that  consecration,  made  fifty  years  ago,  entreat 
you  to  enter  at  once  into  }'our  part  of  such  a  covenant. 
Then  can  you  claim,  with  fullest  confidence,  the  "  prom- 
ise "  which  is  "  unto  you  and  your  children." 

An  oft-repeated  experience  of  those  days  of  early 
motherhood  was  that  of  the  anticipated  parting  with  her 
fondly  loved  child.  He  had  his  full  share  of  the  troubles 
of  babyhood,  and  some  sufferings  peculiar  to  himself. 

Several  times  during  his  infancy  severe  illness  brought  him 
very  near  death.  The  tender  mother,  when  her  heart  was  bleed- 
ing and  her  tears  flowing,  unfalteringly  said,  "Thy  will  be  done," 
each  time  as  he  seemed  in  death's  grasp.  That  her  son  should  live 
to  be  useful  in  the  world  was  a  cherished  desire  of  her  heart,  yet 
she  said:  "It  is  the  Lord.  Let  him  do  as  seemeth  to  him  good." 
This  submission  to  the  divine  will  brought  a  rich  blessing  to  her 
soul,  the  sweet  savor  of  which  remained. 

The  duties  of  the  new  sphere  were  arduous  and  exact- 
ing, yet  these  new  demands  upon  the  young  housekeeper 
did  not  in  the  least  diminish  her  attachment  to  the  absent 
mother.  Rarely  did  a  week  pass  without  the  transmis- 
sion of  a  letter  to  the  native  city.  What  treasures  those 
letters  were !  Every  one  was  carefully  cherished  by  the 
mother.  After  her  death  the  daughter  did  not  destroy 
them,  and  the  writer  has  been  permitted  to  read  more 
than  four  hundred  epistles,  all  glowing  with  filial  love 
and  devotion  and  nearly  every  one  expressing  intense 
spirituality.  An  extract,  taken  almost  at  random,  will 
help  the  reader  to  understand  the  feelings  of  this  young 
nursling  upon  being  torn  from  its  home  nest. 

I  don't  know,  dearest  mother,  what  or  where  or  how  to  write  this 
morning.  I  feel  all  the  time  so  intensely  desirous  to  see  you  that  I 
know  not  how  to  write  about  anything  beside.     But  I  must  wipe 


TO  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

away  my  tears.  I  must  try  to  bear  with  more  patience  and  resig- 
nation this  long,  this  painful,  separation  from  that  beloved  one  to 
whom  my  heart  will  cling,  however  far  distant  I  may  be  from  her. 
But  ah,  the  effort  is  vain.  I  cannot  change  my  sensitive  feelings 
to  adamantine  hardness.  I  cannot  congeal  the  warm  currents  of 
my  affections  and  turn  my  heart  to  icy  coldness.  I  was  born  to  feel, 
and  feel  I  must,  and  feel,  too,  with  exquisite  keenness,  every  blast 
of  woe,  every  dart  of  sorrow,  everything  that  wounds,  and  every- 
thing that  comforts,  too,  for  I  am  as  much  alive  to  joy  as  sor- 
row. ...  I  often  think,  were  I  differently  constituted,  had  I  a 
more  insensible  heart,  how  much  more  uniform  would  be  my  course 
both  as  it  regards  mind  and  body,  but  perhaps  on  the  whole  I  am 
not  less  happy  here,  and  I  do  not  think  I  shall  be  less  happy  in  the 
world  of  bliss.  O  no!  I  am  sure  I  shall  not  in  heaven  find  my 
heart  too  full  of  tender  emotions,  for  there  all  my  passions  and  af- 
fections will  be  controlled,  absorbed,  and  employed  by  love  divine. 

It  is  not  strange  that  this  ever-present  longing  to  be 
again  with  the  cherished  mother  should  have  prompted 
Mrs.  James  and  her  husband  to  eagerly  look  for  some 
change  in  their  circumstances  which  might  restore  mother 
and  daughter  to  each  other.  Again  and  again  do  the 
letters  speak  of  apparent  openings  in  the  wall  which 
separated  them,  and  with  exultant  joy  the  daughter 
would  express  her  anticipations  of  the  reunion.  Bat  all 
such  hopes  were  followed  by  disappointment.  Not  till 
the  mother  had  been  removed  from  earth  did  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  James  again  become  residents  of  Trenton. 

These  strong  emotions  were  not  allowed  to  interfere 
with  the  work  committed  to  this  conscientious  child  of 
God  at  that  time.  If  the  round  of  daily  toil  seemed  to 
her  too  much  like  drudgery,  because  of  a  somewhat  dis- 
torted conception  of  life  and  lack  of  appreciation  of  the 
heaven-given  opportunities  of  wifehood  and  motherhood, 
no  duty  was  consciously  neglected. 

Not  many  months  passed  before  this  earnest  worker  re- 


IN  TEE  NEW  HOME.  71 

ports  to  her  mother  the  holding  of  a  female  prayer-meet- 
ing in  her  own  home,  and  the  gracious  influences  and  re- 
sults attending  it.  Aside  from  this  weekly  gathering  of 
Christian  women  for  prayer  and  occasional  attendance 
upon  public  and  social  services,  Mrs.  James  was  for 
some  years  almost  cut  off  from  specifically  religious 
work,  and  it  was  hers  to  glorify  God  rather  by  waiting 
and  suffering  than  by  doing.  A  few  months  after  her 
removal  to  Mount  Holly  she  narrowly  escaped  an  at- 
tack of  dropsy,  as  the  result  of  an  injury  to  the  brain, 
given  by  the  heavy  lid  of  a  chest  which  fell  upon  her 
head  before  she  left  Trenton.  She  was  spared  the  suffer- 
ing even  by  anticipation  of  such  a  dire  disease,  and  great 
was  her  gratitude  to  God  when  she  realized  her  escape. 

Her  pathway  was  by  no  means  a  smooth  one.  In  her  feeble 
health  and  multiplying  domestic  duties,  burdens  often  devolving 
upon  her  to  which  her  frail  nature  seemed  unequal,  she  found  it 
needful  to  have  much  help  from  above  and  so  to  be  ever  looking 
unto  Jesus.  His  gracious  interposition  in  her  behalf,  to  sustain, 
comfort,  and  uplift,  was  daily  a  cause  of  grateful  praise.  The 
assurance  that  she  was  in  the  hands  of  Him  who  loved  her  filled 
her  with  a  calm,  sweet  peace,  which  was  undisturbed  throughout 
her  sickness.  Successive  attacks  of  illness  so  enfeebled  her  system 
that  for  years  she  was  an  invalid.  During  this  protracted  period 
of  affliction  she  found  that  suffering  the  will  of  God  tended  to 
mature  the  gracious  fruits  of  the  Spirit  more  than  doing  His  will,  as 
in  former  years. 

In  a  conversation  with  an  eminent  Christian  lady  who  was  very 
prominent  as  a  worker  in  God's  vineyard,  the  invalid  said  to  her, 
"How  favored  you  are  to  be  able  to  do  so  much  for  Christ  ! 
I  have  so  long  been  laid  aside,  and  have  done  nothing.  I  am 
tempted  to  envy  you  for  the  great  good  you  are  accomplishing." 

"Ah,  my  sister,"  said  the  active  Christian,  "it  requires  more 
grace  to  be  a  passive  sufferer  than  to  be  an  active  doer,  and  God 
is  being  glorified  more,  perhaps,  by  your  sickness  than  by  my 
activity." 


72  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

These  words  were  pondered  in  her  heart;  and  she  afterward  was 
convinced  of  their  truth  by  the  result  of  the  refining  ordeal.  The 
image  of  the  Heavenly  shone  out  the  more  clearly,  and  many  saw 
it  and  acknowledged  the  power  of  His  grace  who  enabled  her  thus 
to  "glorify  Him  in  the  fires." 

The  blessed  revelations  of  the  all-glorious  Presence  made  her 
sick-room  a  Bethel,  and  the  nights  of  wakefulness  even  more 
happy  than  the  days  ;  for  the  voice  of  the  Comforter  was  more 
distinctly  heard  when  human  tongues  were  silent,  and  the  bright- 
ness of  His  countenance  more  luminous  amid  the  midnight  dark- 
ness. No  language  can  give  an  idea  of  those  blessed  experiences 
but  the  Bible  words,  "  Joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory." 

Over  two  years  had  passed  in  feebleness,  frequent  sufferings  of 
body,  and  great  triumph  of  spirit,  when  another  severe  test  was 
given  her.  She  had  always  had  a  peculiar  dread  of  cancer,  and 
now  a  tumor  appeared  which  had  every  symptom  of  that  terrible 
malady.  When  it  was  pronounced  a  cancer  the  trial  was  tre- 
mendous ;  but,  looking  up  to  God,  she  asked  that  she  might  prove 
the  sufficiency  of  grace  to  sustain  not  only,  but  even  to  render  her 
triumphant.  Immediately  the  grace  was  imparted,  and  her  glad 
heart  mounted  above  the  affliction,  and  praised  God  for  having 
given  her  the  privilege  of  thus  proving  the  power  of  His  grace. 

She  could  think  of  the  protracted  anguish  of  cancer,  of  an  un- 
successful surgical  operation  (for  she  had  no  hope  of  a  cure),  and 
even  of  the  danger  of  dying  under  it  without  dread,  for  the  great 
God  had  spoken  to  her  and  said  :  "Fear  thou  not,  for  I  am  with 
thee  ;  be  not  dismayed,  for  I  am  thy  God.  I  will  strengthen  thee, 
yea,  I  will  help  thee,  yea,  I  will  uphold  thee  with  the  right  hand 
of  my  righteousness."  What  more  could  she  want,  since  the 
eternal  God  was  her  refuge,  and  underneath  her  were  the  ever- 
lasting arms  ? 

Weeks  and  months  passed  away  with  no  alleviation  of  the  dis- 
tressing symptoms,  until  at  length  the  decision  was  made  to  have 
the  tumor  removed.  An  application  recommended  by  a  friend 
was  first  to  be  tried ;  if  that  should  fail  then  the  dreadful  alter- 
native— the  knife.  The  first  remedy  proved  successful,  though 
the  cure  was  slow,  and  the  calamity  was  thus  averted,  to  the  great 
relief  of  the  sufferer  and  her  anxious  friends. 

The  remembrance  of  that  glorious  triumph  has  caused  her  heart 


IN  THE  NEW  HOME.  73 

to  rejoice  many  a  time,  and  in  other  seasons  of  trial  has  made  her 
faith  stronger  in  the  power  of  that  grace  which  God  causes  so  to 
abound  toward  them  that  love  Him.  She  has  also  had  many  a 
privilege  of  comforting  those  who  were  suffering  under  similar 
afflictions,  and  often  has  she  given  expression  to  the  feelings  of  her 
heart  in  the  language  of  the  Apostle  Paul,  in  2  Corinthians,  i.  3, 
4:  "Blessed  be  God,  even  the  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, 
the  Father  of  mercies,  and  the  God  of  all  comfort ;  who  comforteth 
us  in  all  our  tribulation,  that  we  may  be  able  to  comfort  them 
which  are  in  any  trouble,  by  the  comfort  wherewith  we  ourselves 
are  comforted  of  God." 

As  she  has  seen  tears  of  joy,  and  heard  expressions  of  gratitude 
from  poor  sufferers  to  whom  she  has  been  permitted  to  administer 
consolation,  she  has  rejoiced  that  she  had  passed  through  this 
trial,  and  could  attest  the  power  of  divine  grace  to  lift  the  soul 
above  it. 

The  activity  of  Mrs.  James  was  greatly  circumscribed 
by  feeble  health  and  home  duties,  yet  her  zeal  for  Christ 
could  not  but  find  expression  in  some  efforts  to  be  useful. 
She  thus  writes  to  her  mother  of  a  consumptive  whom 
she  visited  in  November,  1836  : 

I  found  him  in  a  truly  penitent  state  and  conversed  with  him  with 
great  satisfaction,  and  I  trust,  through  the  influence  of  the  Holy 
Spirit,  the  interview  will  be  blessed  to  his  good.  I  felt  it  a  very 
great  cross  to  converse  and  pray  with  a  gentleman  who  had  been 
devoted  to  the  world,  and  with  whom  I  had  no  personal  acquaint- 
ance, but  I  endeavored  to  look  to  the  Source  of  all  wisdom  and 
grace  for  words  and  for  courage.  And  the  Lord  did,  indeed,  most 
graciously  assist  me.  I  believe  this  young  man  had  read  the  letter 
and  book  which  I  sent  to  his  brother,  and  which  I  feared  had  not 
answered  the  purpose  for  which  I  sent  them.*  But  should  they 
be  instrumental  in  saving  the  soul  of  this  one,  what  a  cause  of  re- 
joicing would  it  be !  How  my  soul  exults  at  the  thought  of  contrib- 
uting in  any  degree  to  the  salvation  of  a  soul.  When  I  left  him 
he  asked  me  to  come  often  to  see  him. 

*  The  brother  had  died  a  few  weeks  before. 


74  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

In  a  subsequent  letter  she  speaks  of  this  young  man  as 

Still  earnestly  seeking  his  salvation.  I  visit  him  almost  everyday. 
If  I  stay  away  one  day  he  seems  distressed  about  it  and  says  he  fears 
I  have  deserted  him.  I  never  felt  more  interested  in  a  sick  person 
in  my  life.  To  see  one  so  young,  so  promising,  going  down  to  the 
tomb,  to  hear  his  earnest  aspirations  after  the  Friend  of  sinners,  and 
see  the  tears  of  contrition  rolling  down  his  pallid  face,  is,  indeed, 
affecting  beyond  description.  Oh,  how  my  heart  has  been  melted 
when  I  have  been  with  him,  endeavoring  to  lead  him  to  the  lamb 
of  God,  for  sinners  slain.  He  sometimes  seems  just  ready  to  lay 
hold  of  the  Savior. 

Among  the  occasional  employments  of  the  young  wife 
was  sitting  in  the  store  of  her  husband  when  he  was 
temporarily  absent.  On  one  such  occasion  a  poor  inebri- 
ate entered  the  store.  Noticing  that  he  seemed  chilled 
and  uncomfortable,  the  lady  invited  him  to  a  seat  by  the 
stove.  She  was  engaged  in  reading  and  for  a  time  paid 
little  attention  to  the  visitor.  Presently  she  observed 
that  he  was  looking  at  her  intently  and  with  tearful 
eyes.  When  he  found  that  he  had  her  attention  he  spoke 
with  deep  feeling  of  her  kindness  in  inviting  him  to  a 
comfortable  seat,  and  thus  opened  the  way  for  conver- 
sation. Before  they  separated  the  Christian  woman  had 
secured  a  promise  of  reformation,  which  was  sacredly 
kept.  The  man  soon  obtained  employment,  for  he  was 
a  good  mechanic,  and  became  not  only  a  sober  man,  but 
a  Christian.  Months  later  he  fell  from  a  scaffolding  upon 
which  he  was  working  as  a  carpenter,  and  was  severely 
injured.  He  sent  for  the  friend  whose  kind  and  well- 
timed  words  had  stopped  him  in  his  downward  career, 
and  expressed  his  gratitude  for  those  words  and  his  hope 
of  a  home  in  heaven.  Perhaps  this  was  the  first  of  the 
many  efforts  of  this  active  Christian  in  behalf  of  this  class 
of  wanderers  from  God. 


W  THE  NEW  HOME.  75 

Quietly  and  with  little  of  incident  those  years  of  the 
early  married  life  of  Mrs.  James  passed  away,  yet  who 
shall  say  that  they  were  not  among  the  most  valuable  of 
her  life  ?  Had  she  been  permitted  in  those  years  to  en- 
joy all  the  delights  of  society,  or  even  to  yield  to  her  im- 
pulse to  be  unceasingly  active  for  the  good  of  others,  she 
would  have  missed  the  mellowing  influence  of  suffering 
and  of  patient  waiting.  These  years  were  doubtless  a 
needed  preparation  for  the  toils  and  successes  that  came 
farther  on. 


CHAPTER  II. 

WITNESSING    OF   A   FULL    SALVATION. 

One  effect  of  the  coming  of  Mrs.  James  into  a  new 
place  was  to  temporarily  modify  her  manner  of  bearing 
her  Christian  testimony.  In  Trenton  she  had  been  ac- 
customed to  speak  often  and  definitely  of  "  the  higher 
Christian  life  "  and  her  experience  in  regard  to  it.  As  we 
have  seen,  she  always  spoke,  not  of  her  own  goodness, 
but  of  the  grace  which  so  gloriously  and  so  fully  saved. 
In  Trenton  she  often  heard  expressions  akin  to  her  own. 
When  she  came  to  attend  the  social  meetings  in  the 
church  at  Mount  Holly  she  soon  noticed  the  absence  of 
such  explicit  statements.  She  had  the  utmost  confidence 
in  the  piety  of  the  people  among  whom  she  had  come  to 
live.  Some  of  them,  she  was  sure,  were  deeply  experi- 
enced in  the  things  of  God.  For  her,  a  stranger  and  a 
young  woman,  to  speak  of  higher  attainments  than  those 
who  had  long  been  looked  upon  as  leaders  in  the  church, 
seemed  to  her  to  savor  of  presumption.  So,  while  she 
spoke  of  communion  with  God  and  great  enjoyment  in 
His  service,  the  definite  statement  that  Jesus  saved  her 
from  all  conscious  sin  was  withheld. 

No  one  can  doubt  that  in  this  matter  Mrs.  James  was 
influenced  by  good  motives.  There  was  in  the  Mount 
Holty  church  some  prejudice  against  the  profession  of  en- 
tire sanctification.  She  thought  that  any  words  of  hers 
which  might  seem  to  be  lacking  in  humility  would  in- 
crease this  prejudice,  and  so  mar  her  influence,  while  a 


WITNESSING  OF  A  FULL  SALVATION.  77 

less  obtrusive  way  of  speaking  of  the  work  of  grace  in 
her  heart  might  disarm  criticism  and  win  people  to  a 
higher  life.  She  subsequently  came  to  take  a  different 
view  of  the  whole  matter  and  to  return  to  her  former 
habit.  This  change  was  a  pivotal  point  in  her  religious 
life  and  history,  and  it  is  but  right  that  she  should  be  per- 
mitted to  give  her  own  account  of  it  as  detailed  in  Fifty 
Years'  Walk  with  Jesus.  After  speaking  of  the  influence 
by  which  her  testimony  was  toned  down  as  "  a  well-cir- 
cumstanced temptation,"  the  writer  continues : 

This  appeal  to  her  sense  of  propriety  and  duty  was  successful, 
her  natural  timidity  and  the  humility  which  grace  had  given  her 
causing  her  the  more  readily  to  yield  to  the  plausible  suggestion. 
She  sincerely  believed  herself  justifiable  in  withholding  her  testi- 
mony to  the  power  of  the  blood  that  cleanseth.  For  a  long  time 
she  pursued  her  course  without  compunctions  of  conscience,  but 
wondering  why  she  was  shorn  of  strength  when  she  attempted  to 
speak  or  pray,  and  why  there  seemed  an  intervening  mist  half  con- 
cealing the  brightness  of  her  precious  Savior's  face.  While  she  felt 
the  same  ardent  love  to  Him  and  devotion  to  the  interests  of  His 
kingdom,  the  consciousness  that  His  presence  was  a  less  vivid  re- 
alization caused  her  deep  sorrow.  Day  after  day  she  lingered  at 
the  mercy-seat,  imploring  light  from  above  to  show  her  the  cause  of 
this  interruption  of  the  sweet  rest  in  Jesus  which  she  had  enjoyed. 

One  of  the  oldest  class-leaders  in  the  church,  regarded  as  one  of 
the  best  of  men,  called  to  see  her  and  thus  accosted  her:  "My  sis- 
ter, I  have  come  to  converse  with  you  on  a  subject  that  has  long 
been  troubling  my  mind.  When  I  was  informed  that  you  were 
coming  here  to  reside  my  heart  leaped  for  joy,  for  I  thought,  now 
there  will  be  at  least  one  witness  of  full  salvation  in  our  church.  I 
had  heard  of  your  deep  experience  and  of  your  clear  testimonies  of 
this  great  salvation  for  years,  and  I  thought,  now  we  shall  have  a 
burning  and  shining  light  among  us  and  we  shall  be  greatly  blessed 
through  her  instrumentality.  The  doctrine  of  holiness  my  soul 
delights  in.  Many  years  ago  I  received  the  full  baptism  of  the 
Spirit  and  lived  in  its  enjoyment  for  some  time ;  but  through  timid- 


78  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

ity,  not  being  willing  to  stand  alone  as  a  witness,  I  lost  the  evi- 
dence. My  heart  has  been  all  the  Lord's  ever  since,  but  the  full- 
ness of  the  blessing  I  have  not  enjoyed.  I  thought,  if  there  were 
only  one  to  stand  by  me,  then  I  would  have  courage  to  speak  of 
those  glorious  things  of  Christ's  kingdom,  and  declare  His  wonder- 
ful work  in  my  heart.  When  you  came,  I  said,  '  Thank  God !  now 
I  shall  have  one  to  stand  by  me.'  My  purpose  was  renewed  to 
bear  testimony  to  the  truth  and  to  seek  for  a  fresh  anointing  from 
on  high.  At  last  the  time  came  of  your  presence  at  a  love-feast. 
I  listened  with  eagerness  for  your  testimony.  You  spoke  a  few 
words  with  evident  timidity,  and  made  no  allusion  to  the  subject 
of  entire  sanctification.  My  disappointment  was  so  great  I  felt 
like  weeping.  From  that  time  to  this  I  have  been  waiting  to  hear 
your  experience,  and  my  heart  has  been  longing  for  it,  but  I  have 
waited  and  longed  in  vain." 

The  mystery  was  explained;  the  blind  eyes  were  opened  to  see 
the  cause  of  her  lack  of  liberty  and  power,  and  of  her  loss  of  the 
sweeter,  richer  comforts  of  perfect  love.  The  discovery  that  she 
had  been  a  hindrance  instead  of  a  help  to  the  good  brother  filled 
her  heart  with  sad  regret.  Humbly  confessing  her  fault  she  begged 
his  forgiveness,  assuring  him  she  would  no  longer  be  a  stone  of 
stumbling  in  his  path,  and  thanking  him  for  his  faithfulness. 

This  conversation  left  no  doubt  in  the  mind  of  Mrs. 
James  as  to  her  duty  in  this  matter.  For  her  to  know- 
duty  was  to  decide  how  she  would  act.  She  had  already 
expressed  to  the  class-leader  her  decision. 

The  purpose  of  her  heart  was  at  once  carried  to  the  ear  of  her 
compassionate  Savior,  and  with  deep  contrition  and  repentance  she 
wept  and  lamented  her  departure  from  the  straightforward  path  of 
duty.  Conscious  of  an  unwavering  purpose  to  please  God,  she 
could,  without  hesitation,  claim  His  forgiveness  through  the  all- 
cleansing  blood,  and  immediately  felt  a  fresh  application  of  that 
blood,  in  the  renewed  cleansing  of  her  heart,  and  the  bright  evi- 
dence of  her  full  acceptance.  Then  came  the  fullness  of  peace  and 
joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  the  blessed  fellowship  with  the  Father 
and  the  Son,  which  had  been  the  crowning  bliss  of  her  happy  ex- 


WITNESSING  OF  A  FULL   SALVATION.  79 

perience,  and  she  felt  that  henceforth  it  would  be  her  chief  delight 
to  show  forth  His  praise. 

A  young  Christian  came  to  her  seeking  light  and  help  in  the  pur- 
suit of  the  higher  experience.  She  said,  "  I  heard  you  enjoyed  it, 
but  have  not  heard  you  speak  of  it ;  and,  oh,  how  earnestly  I  have 
wished  to  know  more  of  the  Christian's  privilege!  I  have  been 
reading  the  memoir  of  Hester  Ann  Rogers,  and  her  glowing  expe- 
rience and  beautiful  life  quite  charmed  me.  I  want  to  be  thus  de- 
voted to  God,  and  am  trying  to  be  so." 

Then  came  again  the  bitter  reflection,  "I  have  not  been  doing 
the  work  which  was  given  me  to  do  here.  This  lovely  young 
Christian  might  long  ago  have  entered  into  the  King's  highway  if 
I  had  held  up  the  light  to  show  her  the  path,  and  had  extended  a 
helping  hand  to  her.  Many  others,  too,  might  have  entered  into 
the  goodly  land  of  perfect  love,  had  its  rich  fruits  been  set  before 
them,  and  had  they  been  told,  by  one  who  knew  its  wealth  of 
blessings,  of  the  way  to  enter  in,  and  invited  to  "go  up  at  once 
and  possess  it."  Now  she  endeavored  to  redeem  the  time  lost,  by 
doing  all  she  could  to  help  the  sincere  inquirer.  She  also  sought 
opportunities  of  speaking  to  individuals  and  in  private  circles,  on 
this  subject  dearest  to  her  heart,  and  her  faith  and  love  and  joy  in- 
creased. 

Before  the  privilege  was  given  her  to  witness  in  a  public  meet- 
ing, her  wise  and  loving  Father  took  her  up  into  the  mount  of 
blessed  communion  with  saints,  where  the  fruits  of  Canaan  were 
spread  out  in  profusion,  that  she  might  gain  greater  strength  be- 
fore a  testing  time  would  come. 

A  visit  to  New  York  brought  her  in  contact  with  some  of  the 
purest  spirits  that  have  ever  blessed  our  world.  It  was  her  first 
introduction  to  the  abode  of  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer,  and  to  the 
precious  privileges  of  the  Tuesday  meetings. 

Her  diary  records  conversations  with  many  eminent  Christians, 
which  made  her  soul  "  as  the  chariots  of  Aminidab."  While  en- 
joying the  hospitalities  of  this  pleasant  abode,  she  felt  as  the  dis- 
ciples on  the  Mount  of  Transfiguration.  A  heavenly  atmosphere 
surrounded  them  and  Jesus  revealed  Himself  gloriously  to  their 
spiritual  vision.  His  presence  was  the  charm  and  His  love  the 
theme,  not  only  of  the  Tuesday  meetings,  but  of  the  family  circle, 
the  social  company,  and  even  at  the  table.    At  each  meal,  a  portion 


80  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

of  the  precious  bread  furnished  by  God's  Word  was  distributed,  as 
being  essential  to  the  soul's  advantage  and  comfort,  as  the  bread  on 
the  table  was  required  to  feed  and  nourish  the  body.  As  passages 
were  repeated  by  each  one  around  the  board,  there  seemed  a  pe- 
culiar freshness  and  sweetness  in  them,  and  they  were  as  "  marrow 
and  fatness  "  to  the  company  of  believers.  Never  did  the  Word  of 
God  seem  so  appropriate,  so  beautiful.  How  blessed  to  have  it 
mingled  with  the  food,  that  the  soul  and  body  may  both  be  fed  at 
the  same  time !  How  easy  then  to  obey  the  injunction,  "  Whether 
ye  eat  or  drink,"  etc.,  "  do  all  to  the  glory  of  God,"  with  His  own 
words  in  our  minds  and  on  our  tongues,  while  eating  and  drinking. 
It  had  not  been  considered  by  the  visitor  religiously  profitable 
to  mingle  with  large  companies  called  "tea  parties,"  but  here  were 
companies  of  twenty  to  thirty,  and  each  countenance  bore  the  im- 
age of  the  Heavenly  and  the  conversation  was  all  of  Jesus  and  His 
love.  How  often,  while  favored  with  those  spiritual  feasts,  did  the 
happy  visitor  say  in  her  heart : 

"Blest  Jesus,  what  delicious  fare! 
How  rich  Thy  entertainments  are  !  " 

Thus  renewed  in  spiritual  strength,  the  newly  baptized  one  re- 
turned to  her  home  full  of  holy  energy  and  strong  purpose  to 
work  for  God.  Her  glowing  soul  longed  to  show  forth  His  praise, 
Who  had  so  gloriously  revealed  Himself  to  her.  In  the  ardor  of 
her  zeal,  she  hastened  to  tell  a  sister  in  the  church  of  the  riches  of 
grace  enjoyed  during  her  visit.  She  found  that  heart  so  cold  that 
it  could  not  reciprocate  those  warm  expressions  of  hallowed  love 
and  exultation.  So  languid  and  listless  wTere  the  replies  to  the 
story  of  joy  and  triumph,  that  it  seemed  as  water  thrown  upon  a  fire. 

The  artful  Tempter  suggested:  "  There  now  !  you  see  how  your 
testimony  of  full  salvation  is  to  be  received  !  If  so  active  a  Chris- 
tian treats  this  subject  with  such  indifference,  what  can  you  expect 
from  the  church  in  general  ?  What  a  hard  time  you  will  have,  if 
you  undertake  to  talk  holiness  here.  You  had  better  be  very  care- 
ful or  you  will  do  more  harm  than  good.  By  incurring  the  censure 
of  your  friends,  you  will  destroy  all  your  influence  for  good  to 
them." 

This  new  assault  for  a  moment  daunted  her,  and  she  said :  "What 
shall  I  do?"     "Flee  to  your  stronghold,"  said  the  Holy  Spirit. 


WITNESSING   OF  A   FULL  SALVATION.  SI 

Then,  prostrating  herself  before  God,  she  poured  out  her  soul  in 
fervent  supplication.  The  Spirit  said:  "God  has  placed  you  here 
to  Met  your  light  shine.'  He  calls  you  to  be  a  witness  for  Him 
and  bear  testimony  to  the  power  of  the  cleansing  blood.  If  you 
will  bear  faithful  testimony,  great  and  glorious  will  be  the  results, 
but  if  you  will  not,  you  will  forfeit  the  divine  favor."  It  seemed 
the  voice  of  Jehovah  speaking  to  her  heart,  and  sinking  down  in 
deepest  self-abasement  she  said :  "Thou  knowest  my  utter  weakness 
— but  if  Thou  wilt  give  me  strength,  I  will  stand  up  a  decided  wit- 
ness for  Thee,  let  the  consequences  be  what  they  may.  Only  arm 
me  with  the  panoply  divine,  and  I  will  not  fear  nor  hesitate  to  pro- 
claim the  great  salvation." 

That  afternoon  there  was  to  be  a  meeting  of  ladies  to  sew  for  the 
aid  of  the  church.  This  presented  another  occasion  for  the  Adver- 
sary to  try  to  intimidate  her  in  the  performance  of  the  duty  she  felt 
incumbent  upon  her. 

He  suggested :  "It  will  be  very  much  out  of  place  and  imprudent 
for  you  to  say  a  word  about  your  experience  in  that  company  of 
ladies.  You  know  Mrs.  A.  and  Mrs.  B.  and  Mrs.  C.  have  particu- 
lar objections  to  this  doctrine,  and  it  will  seem  like  making  a  pa- 
rade of  your  religion  to  talk  of  it  there.  Of  course,  your  visit  to 
New  York  will  be  spoken  of,  for  they  all  know  of  it,  but  while  you 
may  speak  of  it  as  a  very  delightful  visit,  you  need  not  tell  them 
what  made  it  so  specially  interesting  and  profitable.  If  you  should 
do  so  your  feelings  will  be  wounded  by  some  opposers,  and  you 
had  better  be  silent  on  that  subject." 

At  once  the  disguised  enemy  was  detected,  and  she  said  :  "I  will 
not  listen  for  a  moment  to  him  ;  I  will  trust  in  God  and  do  my 
duty."  Then  came  the  sweet  words  of  the  hymn  founded  on  a 
precious  portion  of  God's  word  : 

"  See  the  Lord,  thy  Keeper,  stand 
Omnipotently  near! 
Lo,  He  holds  thee  by  thy  hand  ! 

And  banishes  thy  fear  : 
Shadows  with  His  wings  thy  head 

Guards  from  all  impending  harms, 
Round  thee  and  beneath  are  spread 
The  everlasting  arms." 
4* 


82  THE  LIFE  OF  MBS.  JAMES. 

She  said,  "It  is  enough  1  ;I  will  trust  and  not  be  afraid,  for  the 
Lord  Jehovah  is  my  strength  and  my  song.  He  also  is  become  my 
salvation.'  He  will  teach  me  what  to  say  and  what  to  do.  4I  will 
go  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord  God.  I  will  make  mention  of  His 
righteousness  and  of  His  only.'  " 

She  went  to  the  meeting  and  was  called  upon  to  open  it  with 
prayer.  The  Spirit  of  God  helped  her  infirmities,  and  a  melting  in- 
fluence attended  the  words  of  supplication  and  thanksgiving  as  utter- 
ance was  given  to  her  ardent  devotion.  The  way  was  thus  opened 
to  speak  on  the  subject  dearest  to  her  heart.  In  reply  to  the  ques- 
tion, ' '  Had  you  a  pleasant  visit  to  New  York  ?  "  she  spoke  of  the  hal- 
lowed communion  of  saints,  of  the  revealed  presence  of  the  Highest, 
of  the  strength  divine  imparted  to  her,  and  of  her  purpose  to  bear 
testimony  to  the  fullness  of  the  believer's  privilege  as  a  blessed  reali- 
zation of  her  own  heart.  Immediately  one  of  her  most  valued  friends 
remarked,  "I  think  you  have  been  sufficiently  decided:  everybody 
knows  you  enjoy  a  great  deal  of  religion,  and  to  be  any  more  defi- 
nite, or  to  give  it  the  name  of  entire  sanctification  or  holiness,  would 
only  excite  opposition  and'  curtail  your  usefulness."  Others  ex- 
pressed the  concurrence  of  their  views  with  those  thus  advanced. 
While  their  conversation  was  going  on,  the  tried  one  was  sending 
up  the  fervent  prayer,  "Fill  thou  my  mouth  with  arguments."  As 
she  spoke  of  the  great  salvation,  its  fullness  of  bliss,  its  power  to 
give  perfect  victory  over  the  world,  the  flesh,  and  the  devil,  and  to 
bring  the  soul  into  conscious  and  constant  union  with  Christ,  and 
to  assimilate  the  heart  to  the  divine  likeness,  and  urged  the  impor- 
tance of  the  church  coming  up  fully  to  her  high  privileges  in  the 
Gospel,  nearly  all  in  the  room  were  in  tears.  For  some  minutes  af- 
ter the  appeal  was  finished,  not  a  word  was  uttered. 

At  length  the  sister  who  had  first  spoken  said:  "Perhaps  I  did 
wrong  to  speak  as  I  did.  I  have  no  doubt  that  you  are  under  the 
divine  guidance  and  will  be  directed  to  pursue  the  right  course;  do 
as  you  believe  to  be  your  duty,  and  your  testimony  will  be  received, 
for  everybody  has  confidence  in  you."  Then  others  also  spoke  en- 
couragingly. Thus  the  enemy  was  put  to  flight  and  a  glorious  vic- 
tory gained. 

During  the  same  week  a  class-leader  called  to  see  the  triumphant 
one  of  whose  happy  experience  he  had  heard,  and  as  she  told  the 
story  to  him,  he  said,  "  O,  that  I  were  as  in  years  past,  when  the 


WITNESSING  OF  A  FULL  SALVATION.  83 

candle  of  the  Lord  shone  upon  me  and  my  heart  was  filled  with 
this  pure  love!  I  had  the  precious  treasure  of  perfect  love  for  six 
years,  and  lost  it  by  coming  here  and  withholding  my  testimony. 

0  how  I  have  longed  to  regain  it,  but  have  been  so  discouraged. 
Now  your  recital  of  the  rich  enjoyment  you  possess  in  the  fullness  of 
gospel  blessing  makes  me  feel  that  I  cannot  live  without  it.  I  must 
have  it,  I  will  have  it,  God  helping  me,  and,  sister  Mary,  you  shall 
have  one  at  least  in  the  church  to  stand  by  you." 

"  What  would  you  think  of  having  a  meeting  for  those  who  are 
hungering  and  thirsting  like  yourself  ?  "  asked  the  happy  Mary, 
"for,"  said  she,  "there  are  several  others  I  know  of."  "Grand 
idea!  "  he  replied,   "  let  us  have  it  right  soon."     She  said,  "Well, 

1  will  tell  the  friends  who  would  be  interested  and  we'll  have  it 
to-morrow  afternoon  in  our  house." 

The  next  morning  two  brethren  called,  who  had  come  from  Phila- 
delphia to  assist  the  pastor  in  a  series  of  meetings  which  he  pro- 
posed to  hold,  commencing  on  the  evening  of  that  day.  Those 
brethren  were  local  preachers  and  were  full  of  faith  and  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  and  they  readily  promised  to  attend  the  meeting  in  the  after- 
noon. 

That  meeting  was  the  first  for  this  special  object  held 
in  that  place,  if  not  the  first  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey. 
It  was  the  privilege  of  Mrs.  James  to  conduct  many 
such  meetings,  and  rich  were  the  results  in  the  experience 
of  thousands. 

A  pentecostal  meeting  was  that  memorable  occasion.  About 
twenty  persons  met  to  pray  for  the  gracious  baptism.  They  were 
"all  with  one  accord  "  in  that  consecrated  room.  At  the  very  be- 
ginning, as  one  of  the  precious  hymns  expressive  of  heart-longings 
for  full  redemption  was  being  sung,  the  Holy  Ghost  came  down,  as 
if  in  haste  to  give  the  signal  of  God's  approval  of  that  meeting  for 
the  specific  object  so  pleasing  to  Him. 

The  class-leader  who  had  expressed  joy  at  the  proposal  to  hold 
such  a  meeting  came  in  during  the  first  singing,  and  as  he  knelt  at 
his  seat  Jesus  met  him  and  sealed  him  wholly  His.  He  exclaimed, 
"Glory  to  God,  I  am  fully  saved,  washed  in  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb."     The  divine  power  went  like  electric  fire  through  every 


84  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

heart.  All  fell  on  their  knees,  overpowered  with  the  sacred  influ- 
ence. The  class-leader  to  whom  reference  was  made  as  desiring 
to  hear  the  testimony  on  this  subject,  in  a  moment  regained  his 
lost  evidence  of  entire  salvation  and  rejoiced  with  exceeding  great 
joy.  Others  were  fervently  praying  for  the  fuller  baptism,  and 
some  of  them,  before  the  meeting  closed,  were  blessed  with  a  re- 
newal of  spiritual  life. 

Mary's  pastor  was  not  at  the  meeting,  but  called  upon  her  after 
its  close,  and  seemed  deeply  affected  by  her  account  of  the  gracious 
effusion  of  the  Holy  Spirit  and  the  blessings  resulting  to  those  who 
attended.  During  the  conversation  on  the  deeper  Christian  ex- 
perience he  manifested  much  emotion,  and  expressed  an  earnest 
desire  that  an  interest  might  be  awakened  in  the  church  generally, 
and  that  he  might,  himself,  enter  into  the  full  liberty  of  the  Gos- 
pel. He  expressed  his  approval  of  meetings  for  that  special  ob- 
ject, and  gave  his  ready  consent  for  a  weekly  meeting  for  that 
purpose  as  soon  as  the  series  of  public  services,  which  was  to 
commence  that  evening  in  the  church,  should  close. 

The  meeting  of  the  evening  was  for  Christian  testimony.  After 
the  opening  exercises  on  that  occasion,  the  pastor  stated  that,  very 
soon  after  his  conversion,  he  was  led  into  the  deeper  experience 
set  forth  in  the  Gospel.  His  evidence  was  clear,  his  communion 
with  Jesus  unspeakably  sweet,  and  he  could  testify  that  there  is  a 
reality  in  this  exalted  privilege  of  the  children  of  God.  He  also 
spoke  of  the  distinction  between  a  state  of  justification  and  entire 
sanctification.  He  never  should  forget  that  blissful  experience  of 
intimate  union  and  communion  with  Him  who  is  the  joy  of  earth 
and  heaven.  With  deep  sorrow  and  regret  he  had  to  confess  that 
he  had  not  retained  that  experience.  He  could  hardly  tell  how  he 
lost  it.  Although  he  remained  a  child  of  God,  he  was  conscious 
of  a  great  loss.  His  spiritual  state  had  been  more  like  that  of  a 
servant  than  that  of  a  child  much  of  the  time,  and  he  longed  for 
the  richer,  sweeter  communion  of  former  years.  His  desires  for 
restoration  to  that  blissful  state  had  been  greatly  quickened  by  a 
conversation  with  a  sister  who  enjoyed  this  happy  experience.  He 
felt  that  he  must  regain  it,  and  desired  the  whole  church  to  join 
him  in  seeking  it.  As  many  as  would  do  so  he  asked  to  indicate 
it  by  raising  their  hands.  The  whole  company  seemed  moved  and 
melted,  and  nearly  all  gave  the  signal. 


WITNESSING  OF  A  FULL  SALVATION.  85 

The  first  to  speak  after  the  pastor  was  the  leader  who  was  the 
first  blessed  in  the  meeting  of  the  afternoon  ;  the  next,  the  leader 
who  had  also  been  rebaptized  at  the  same  meeting.  Their  testi- 
monies were  thrilling  and  glorious.  The  third  testimony  was  that 
of  her  whose  glad  heart  longed  to  ' '  utter  the  memory  of  His  great 
goodness  and  speak  of  His  wondrous  works."  Her  heart  was  over- 
flowing with  love  and  gratitude  for  the  manifestation  of  grace  not 
only  to  her  but  to  her  beloved  church.  She  related  her  experience 
at  length,  stating  how  and  when  she  received  the  fuller  experience 
of  divine  love,  and  could  say  :  "It  is  no  longer  I  that  live,  but 
Christ  that  liveth  in  me."  She  confessed  her  failure  to  do  the 
whole  will  of  God  in  having  so  long  withheld  her  testimony,  but, 
as  she  was  not  knowingly  or  willfully  disobedient,  He  had  still 
owned  and  blessed  her.  She  had  never  withdrawn  her  heart  from 
the  altar  of  consecration,  but  had  not  enjoyed  the  fullness  of  light 
and  love  and  liberty  while  she  hesitated  to  bear  witness  to  sancti- 
fying grace.  Now  she  would  bear  full  testimony  to  the  uttermost 
salvation.  God  had  baptized  her  anew,  and  she  was  willing,  at  any 
sacrifice,  to  be  His  witness  wherever  He  should  call  her  to  bear  tes- 
timony. The  power  attending  those  testimonies  seemed  to  touch 
all  hearts.  In  quick  succession  other  Christians  rose  and  expressed 
ardent  desires  to  enjoy  the  experience  of  those  who  had  spoken, 
and  a  firm  purpose  to  seek  it  with  all  the  heart.  The  entire  con- 
gregation seemed  to  be  determined  to  go  up  and  possess  "  the 
goodly  land." 

The  meeting  closed  with  the  cloud  of  the  divine  glory  resting 
upon  the  people.  The  pastor  said :  "We  will  hold  a  meeting  every 
afternoon  of  this  week  for  those  who  are  seeking  purity  of  heart 
and  for  those  who  have  lost  the  witness  of  pardon."  Each  meeting 
was  crowned  with  God's  presence  in  a  remarkable  manner.  Many 
entered  into  the  rest  of  faith  ;  many  were  reclaimed  from  a  back- 
slidden state,  and  a  general  quickening  and  reviving  influence  was 
felt  throughout  the  church.  A  great  awakening  among  the  uncon- 
verted, followed  and  many  were  brought  into  the  fold  of  Jesus. 

A.s  soon  as  the  protracted  services  had  ceased  the  weekly  special 
meetings  were  commenced.  The  room  was  filled  from  week  to 
week.  Many  new  witnesses  had  been  raised  up  and  many  others 
were  pressing  hard  after  the  prize.  Each  meeting  was  owned  and 
blessed  of  God,  and  the  interest  continually  increased. 


86  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

The  interest  of  Mrs.  James  in  the  spread  of  the  truth, 
as  she  understood  it,  and  the  experience  of  perfect  love, 
as  she  enjoyed  it,  is  expressed  in  a  letter  to  Miss  Eogers 
in  1S40  : 

I  feel  such  an  intense,  absorbing  desire  that  the  work  of  holiness 
should  become  general,  yes,  universal,  in  our  church.  As  the  holy 
flame  burns  with  increasing  ardor  in  my  own  soul,  I  feel  an  in- 
creasing zeal  to  spread  its  hallowed  influence.  By  the  grace  of 
God,  I  am  determined  to  exert  all  my  energies  in  unremitting  efforts 
to  extend  it. 

This  purpose  was  most  religiously  carried  out.  By 
personal  conversation  with  Christians  whom  she  met,  by 
correspondence  with  friends,  as  well  as  by  testimonies 
on  all  suitable  occasions,  she  sought  to  make  known  what 
God  had  done  for  her,  and  would  do  for  all  who  were 
willing  to  give  themselves  wholly  to  Him  and  trust  Him 
completely  and  unwaveringly. 

The  influence  of  some  of  these  efforts  upon  one  heart 
may  be  gathered  from  the  following  extract  from  a  letter 
to  the  writer  of  these  pages,  from  Mrs.  Sarah  Richards 
Boyle,  now  of  California: 

"Your  precious  mother,  so  lately  translated  to  the  home  of  the 
saved,  was  the  most  saintly  person  I  ever  knew.  She  was  truly 
heavenly-minded.  Her  religious  experience  was  strongly  and  deeply 
developed,  her  teachings  clear  and  forcible,  and  her  influence  un- 
mixed for  good.  The  illumination  of  a  beautiful  consistency  shone 
about  her.  My  acquaintance  with  her  I  consider  one  of  the  great- 
est blessings  of  my  life.  It  commenced  in  1838,  I  think.  I  was 
spending  a  few  days  with  Miss  Rogers,  now  Mrs.  Harlow,  of  Phila- 
delphia. She  sent  for  Mrs.  James  to  join  our  circle.  Those  blessed, 
never-to-be-forgotten  clays  influenced  all  my  after  Christian  life.  We 
were  both  young,  fervent  in  our  first  love,  and  earnest  in  our  desire 
to  be  Bible  Christians.  She  taught  us,  exhorted  us,  prayed  with 
us,  won  us  to  herself,  and  kindled  intense  desires  in  our  hearts  after 


WITNESSING   OF  A  FULL  SALVATION  87 

holiness.  She  subscribed  for  me  for  the  Guide  to  Christian  Perfec- 
tion. As  I  read  the  numbers,  often  on  my  knees  in  my  closet,  how 
I  longed  for  the  perfect  liberty  in  Christ  Jesus  therein  taught. 
From  that  time  we  corresponded.  Her  letters  were  inspirations  to 
me.     God  made  her  a  burning  and  shining  light  to  my  pathway." 

If  the  circle  of  those  with  whom  Mrs.  James  was  so 
intimate,  and  upon  whom  her  influence  was  so  continu- 
ous, was  comparatively  small,  there  was  outside  of  this 
a  wider  circle,  whom  she  touched  and  helped  as  her 
Christian  life  broadened  and  her  opportunities  for  useful- 
ness widened.  Who  can  tell  how  different  her  history 
and  that  of  many  others  might  have  been  if  this  young 
woman  had  yielded  to  her  first  impulse,  and  withheld 
what  God  taught  her  was  His  message  committed  to  her? 
Happy  was  she  in  recognizing  the  call  divine !  Happy  is 
every  one  who  says,  "  Speak,  for  Thy  servant  heareth  ! " 

The  reader  will  not  fail  to  see  that  one  young  woman, 
filled  with  the  Spirit  and  telling  what  God  had  done  for 
her,  was  used  by  the  Divine  Master  in  this  remarkable 
work,  the  influence  of  which  is  still  felt  in  that  church. 
Only  for  the  sake  of  magnifying  the  grace  which  so  won- 
derfully used  as  an  agent  one  who  felt  herself  to  be 
so  weak  and  powerless  was  the  record  originally  made. 
Only  to  make  permanent  that  record  to  the  glory  of  Him 
who  delights  to  cause  weak  things  to  confound  the  mighty 
is  it  here  introduced.  It  is  certainly  full  of  encourage- 
ment and  suggestion  to  those  who  are,  in  conscious  feeble- 
ness, witnessing  for  Jesus  and  seeking  to  do  the  work  He 
gives  them  to  do. 


CHAPTEK  III. 


HARVESTING. 


Intense  as  was  the  interest  of  Mrs.  James  in  Christian 
holiness,  and  earnest  as  were  her  efforts  to  lead  others 
into  the  green  pastures  opened  to  her  by  the  Good  Shep- 
herd, her  labors  were  not  all  upon  one  line.  Every 
opportunity  for  promoting  the  cause  of  Christ  was 
eagerly  seized  and  used  with  energy.  Indeed,  she  mani- 
fested a  holy  ingenuity  in  devising  ways  to  do  good,  as 
well  as  tact  in  the  details  of  work. 

"  The  joy  in  harvest,"  of  seeing  souls  brought  to  Christ, 
was  often  given  to  this  earnest  worker.  Let  us  see  her 
preparing  for  this  work  and  share  with  her  the  happiness 
in  some  of  her  earlier  labors  of  this  kind  in  Mount 
Holly.  For  several  years  after  she  became  connected 
with  the  church  there,  her  longings  for  a  large  ingather- 
ing of  souls  were  unutterable.  She  writes,  October  20, 
1841: 

For  months  past  the  fearful  state  of  our  Zion  has  been  so  great 
a  burden  on  my  heart  that  I  was  pressed  down  beneath  its  weight. 
My  prayers,  mingled  with  many  tears,  had  been  poured  out  at  the 
mercy-seat  with  such  fervency  as  I  cannot  express,  that  God  would 
jDour  out  a  refreshing  shower  of  grace  upon  this  dry  and  barren 
ground.  I  besought  the  Lord  that  lie  would  use  me  as  an  instru- 
ment to  promote,  in  some  degree  at  least,  this  glorious  object. 
The  cry  of  my  heart  continually  was,  "  'Lord,  what  wilt  thou  have 
me  to  do  ? '     Show  me  what  I  may  do  for  the  salvation  of  precious 


HARVESTING.  89 

souls  and  the  building  up  of  our  Zion."  It  was  at  length  presented 
to  my  mind  that  it  was  my  duty  to  make  the  effort  to  get  up  some 
additional  prayer-meetings,  there  being  but  one  meeting  during 
the  week  held  among  us. 

The  letter  describes  the  formation  of  a  female  prayer- 
meeting,  the  holding  of  a  weekly  social  meeting  in  the 
home  of  an  aged  and  afflicted  member  of  the  church,  and 
a  Sunday-afternoon  gathering  in  her  own  house  specially 
for  the  promotion  of  holiness,  and  speaks  of  the  blessing 
that  attended  all  these  services.     She  continues  : 

Dear  Sister  Palmer  came  last  week  just  when  we  most  needed  her. 
No  doubt  the  Lord  sent  her.  She  was  made  the  happy  instrument 
of  helping  forward  the  good  work  most  wondrously.  I  need  not 
tell  my  dear  mother  that  my  heart  and  hands  are  full  all  the  time. 
I  am  going  about  continually  striving  to  win  souls  to  Christ.  Many 
are  coming  toward  the  fold,  and  I  do  believe  they  will  be  gathered 
in.  .  .  .  As  yet  the  good  work  is  principally  among  the  mem- 
bers of  our  church,  but  sinners  are  beginning  to  feel,  and  we  shall 
have  the  joy  of  seeing  many  happily  converted  to  God.  Among 
the  number  I  expect  will  be  some  of  the  reformed  drunkards. 

About  this  time  a  special  effort  for  the  salvation  of  this 
class  was  in  progress  in  the  community,  and  a  number 
had  signed  the  temperance  pledge.  The  subject  of  this 
memoir  knew  even  then,  what  many  earnest  laborers  in 
this  field  have  been  too  slow  to  learn,  that  to  be  of  real 
value  the  pledge  must  be  attended  or  followed  by  a  work 
of  divine  grace.  Hence  her  great  desire  and  prayer  for 
the  conversion  of  those  who  had  been  induced  to  turn 
away  from  their  cups. 

Another  principle  at  the  foundation  of  efficient  service 
for  God  had  become  a  conviction  with  this  well-taught 
disciple :  namely,  the  need  of  a  new  anointing  for  service 
in  connection  with  each  special  effort  for  souls.     Under 


90  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.    JAMES. 

date  of  November  18,  1841,  she  tells  her  friend,  Miss 
Rogers,  of  an  experience  of  her  own  of  this  kind : 

I  have  received  such  a  baptism  from  on  high  this  morning  as  I 
have  rarely  enjoyed.  Such  enlargement  of  soul  ;  such  a  near  ap- 
proach to  Jesus  ;  such  an  assurance  that  my  petitions  have  come  up 
before  the  throne  sprinkled  with  the  precious  blood  of  the  all-aton- 
ing Lamb  ;  that  they  had  entered  the  ear  of  Heaven  and  were 
accepted  by  the  Most  High  ;  such  indubitable  evidence  that  I  was 
wholly  the  Lord's  ;  that  He  had  claimed  me  for  His  service, 
claimed  all  I  have  and  all  I  am.  Then  such  a  full  tide  of  heavenly 
bliss  poured  into  my  soul  that  the  little  vessel  quite  overflowed, 
and  I  broke  forth  in  strains  of  praise  and  exultation.  O  Anna, 
magnify  the  Lord  with  me,  and  let  us  exalt  His  name  together. 

O  the  thought  of  being  instrumental  in  promoting  this  blessed 
cause!  winning  souls  to  Christ  ;  how  sweet  it  is!  And  now  I  feel 
just  like  going  forward,  having  no  confidence  in  the  flesh,  leaning 
on  the  arm  of  my  omnipotent  Lord,  to  battle  and  to  victory.  I  felt 
that  all  I  could  do  or  say  would  be  utterly  inefficient  without  the 
power  from  on  high.  This,  therefore,  was  the  burden  of  my  peti- 
tion. While  yet  I  was  lifting  my  voice  in  supplication  I  felt  the 
pentecostal  influence  descend,  and  all  my  soul  and  body's  powers 
were  wrapped  in  a  flame  of  love.  The  blessed  Jesus  appeared  to 
the  eye  of  faith  all  unveiled,  His  bright,  unclouded  face  beaming 
forth  a  flood  of  effulgent  glory  upon  my  soul.  I  was  lost  to  all  be- 
low and  swallowed  up  in  God.  Then  I  felt  that  the  power  was 
given  to  go  and  labor  with  success  in  the  vineyard  of  my  Lord. 

This  I  have  been  striving  to  do  for  years,  but  I  felt  that  my 
efforts  had  been  so  limited  and  my  success  so  small  compared  with 
what  they  should  have  been.  "The  fear  of  man  which  bringeth  a 
snare  "  had  often  prevented  me  from  seizing  the  prize  which  perse- 
vering effort,  accompanied  with  mighty  faith,  would  have  claimed 
and  borne  away  in  triumph  as  a  trophy  of  all-conquering  grace. 
Often  have  I  through  this  dread  foe  been  shorn  of  my  strength  and 
rendered  comparatively  useless  as  a  laborer  in  the  vineyard  of  Christ. 
The  enemy,  ever  throwing  barriers  in  my  way,  would  suggest  how 
assuming,  how  forward,  how  unbecoming  this  or  that  would  appear. 
Thus  have  I  been  in  too  many  instances  deterred  from  duty,  and 
have  failed  to  win  glory  for  God. 


HARVESTING.  91 

Now,  dear  Anna,  I  want  you  to  covenant  with  me  from  this 
moment  to  engage  in  the  work  of  our  blessed  Lord  and  Master  with 
redoubled  energy,  henceforth  to  be  regardless  alike  of  the  smiles 
and  frowns  of  mortals,  having  a  single  aim  to  glorify  God. 

Not  long  after,  Rev.  Mr.  Woodbury,  an  evangelist 
more  than  ordinarily  earnest,  wise,  and  successful,  was 
called  to  the  aid  of  the  pastor  of  the  church  in  Mount 
Holly.  He  was  the  guest  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  James,  and 
in  a  letter  to  her  mother  his  hostess  describes  a  "  pente- 
costal  season,"  on  a  day  when,  instead  of  the  noon  meal, 
the  visitor  and  the  family  with  whom  he  was  sojourning, 
including  the  young  woman  employed  in  the  kitchen,  en- 
gaged in  united  prayer,  with  fasting.  Of  Mr.  Wood- 
bury's methods  Mrs.  James  writes : 

He  soon  discovered  that  the  main  body  of  the  church  was  in  a 
cold  state,  and  a  great  work  must  be  wrought  in  Zion  before  any- 
thing could  be  accomplished  out  of  her  precincts.  He,  therefore, 
directed  his  efforts  to  the  waking  up  of  the  church;  preached  and 
exhorted  and  prayed  with  special  reference  to  the  subject  of  gos- 
pel holiness,  as  the  necessary  equipment  for  the  warfare  in  which 
Ave  were  engaged.  He  enforced  its  claims  with  so  much  of  the 
Holy  Spirit's  influence,  with  such  pathos  and  power,  that  his  ap- 
peals reached  the  hearts  of  scores  who  had  been,  like  Peter,  fol- 
lowing the  Lord  "  afar  off,"  and  an  ardent  desire  was  excited  to  be 
brought  into  closer  union  with  Jesus.  .  .  .  Our  meetings  are 
all  attended  with  so  much  of  divine  influence  that  we  are  often 
constrained  to  exclaim,  "How  awful  is  this  place  !  "  It  is,  indeed, 
the  house  of  God  and  the  gate  of  Heaven.  The  people  linger  after 
they  are  dismissed,  reluctant  to  leave  the  hallowed  spot  where  the 
adorable  Jesus  so  signally  displays  the  glory  of  His  power. 

Allusion  has  been  made  to  the  temperance  reformation 
in  Mount  Holly  at  this  time.  Prominent  among  the 
agencies  employed  in  this  work  was  a  series  of  addresses 
by  Lewis  C.  Levin,  Esq.,  a  lawyer  of  Philadelphia,  then 


92  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

recently  reclaimed  from  a  life  of  dissipation.  He  was  a 
man  of  remarkable  ability  as  a  lecturer  and  full  of  zeal 
in  the  work,  but  Mrs.  James  came  to  find  that  with  all 
his  eloquence  Mr.  Levin  lacked  the  one  essential  qualifi- 
cation for  effective  work — a  genuine  Christian  experience. 
The  thought  so  stirred  her  heart  that  on  more  than  one 
occasion  she  appealed  to  the  brilliant  lecturer  to  become 
fully  identified  with  Christ.  One  of  her  letters  gives  a 
glowing  description  of  an  occasion  on  which  the  advo- 
cate of  temperance  electrified  his  large  audience  by  plead- 
ing with  them  "  to  sign  another  pledge,  the  pledge  to 
love  and  serve  God,"  acknowledging  himself  a  newly 
consecrated  disciple  of  Jesus.  After  this  address,  in  con- 
versation with  Mrs.  James,  he  told  her  of  the  influence 
God  had  permitted  her,  by  her  conversation,  to  exert 
upon  him.  Of  course  the  Christian  woman  was  greatly 
encouraged  by  this  information,  as  the  lecturer  now 
became  much  more  efficient  in  the  work  so  dear  to 
her. 

The  work  seems  to  have  gone  forward  until  the  ensu- 
ing spring,  when  the  Mount  Holly  Methodist  Church 
was  favored  with  the  labors  as  pastor  of  the  Rev.  John 
K.  Shaw,  a  man  on  fire  with  holy  zeal  for  God.  In 
a  letter  to  her  brother,  Mr.  Charles  C.  Yard,  written 
some  months  later,  Mrs.  James  speaks  of  Mr.  Shaw  as 
"  the  most  faithful  of  pastors,"  and  says : 

From  the  commencement  of  his  ministrations  among  us  there  has 
been  a  gradual  improvement  in  the  state  of  our  church,  an  increase 
of  spirituality  in  our  membership,  and  a  manifest  solemnity  in  our 
congregations,  which  have  been  increasing.  .  .  .  Every  Sab- 
bath some  persons  would  present  themselves  for  membership. 

Thus  delightfully  was  the  work  progressing  while  the 


HARVESTING.  93 

subject  of  this  memoir  was  enjoying  her  visit  to  Eew 
York,  elsewhere  described,  and  receiving  fresh  accessions 
of  spiritual  energy.  Upon  her  return  she  co-operated 
with  increasing  zeal,  as  opportunity  and  bodily  strength 
permitted,  with  her  pastor  and  the  church.  There  is 
good  reason  to  believe  that  the  faith  and  zeal  of  this 
earnest  spirit  were  specially  inspiring  and  helpful  to  the 
pastor.  About  ninety  had  united  with  the  church  on 
profession  of  faith  when  the  work  received  a  new  im- 
pulse. In  the  same  letter  to  her  brother  she  describes 
the  beginning  of  this  revival : 

On  New  Year's  Eve  we  assembled  at  our  watch -meeting.  The 
house  was  crowded  with  a  most  attentive  and  solemn  congregation. 
Rev.  Caleb  A.  Lippincott  preached.  The  spirit  of  the  Highest 
seemed  to  overshadow  the  assembly  as  a  cloud,  and  every  hearer 
to  realize  that  God  was  in  His  holy  temple.  Brother  Lippincotfs 
heart-searching  appeals  were  irresistible  and  some  callous  hearts 
were  broken  and  brought  to  the  foot  of  the  cross.  Soon  a^ter  the 
prayer-meeting  commenced,  a  young  man  of  one  of  our  first  fam- 
ilies arose  and  with  streaming  eyes  addressed  the  congregation, 
stating  that  he  had  determined  with  the  new  year  to  set  out  in  the 
service  of  the  Lord,  and  called  upon  his  young  associates  to  join 
him.  He  then  bowed  as  a  humble  penitent,  and  Brother  Shaw 
arose  and  said:   "  Now,  young  men,  how  many  of  you  will  go  with 

S R to  Heaven  ?  "    Immediately  there  was  a  rush  of  young 

men  to  the  altar,  until  it  was  filled.  Still  they  came.  Seat  after  seat 
was  vacated  for  their  reception,  and  there  were  so  many  that  it  was 
difficult  to  count  them.  It  was  such  a  scene  as  I  never  before  wit- 
nessed. 

The  work  went  on  from  week  to  week  with  augment- 
ing power.  To  her  friend,  Miss  Rebecca  Toy,  now  Mrs. 
Rev.  Dr.  Lore,  Mrs.  James  wrote,  February  16 : 

Since  Christmas  evening  there  has  been  one  continuous  effusion 
of  heavenly  influence  upon  our  Zion  here.     At  least  two  hundred 


94  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

persons  have  professed  to  find  an  interest  in  the  Redeemer,  and 
about  one  hundred  and  eighty  have  joined  our  church.  On  last 
Saturday  evening  the  blessed  work  received  a  new  impulse  by  the 

coming  of  Miss  E B to  our  altar  and  obtaining  the  pearl  of 

great  price.  She  had  for  some  weeks  been  under  the  awakening 
influences  of  the  Spirit,  as  had  several  of  her  associates,  but  they 
would  not  come  out  decidedly  until  Saturday  evening,  when  Miss 

B led  the  way.     The  following  evening  two  more  approached 

the  altar  as  weeping  penitents,  and  on  the  succeeding  evening  two 
others.  These  are  all  now  rejoicing  in  possession  of  the  great  sal- 
vation, and  the  sixth  is  earnestly  seeking  it. 

The  work  among  these  young  ladies  from  the  first 
social  circles  of  the  village  was  as  remarkable  as  that 
among  the  young  men  a  few  weeks  before.  At  least 
two  of  the  ladies  then  interested  subsequently  married 
ministers.  One  has  lived  to  train  two  sons  for  the 
gospel  ministry. 

One  incident  will  not  be  forgotten  by  the  few  survivors 
of  those  who  shared  in  the  joy  of  that  wonderful  soul- 
harvest.  It  was  the  death  of  a  prominent  Christian 
young  man,  the  son  of  a  member  of  the  church.  His 
decease  was  sudden,  and,  coming  at  a  time  when  all 
hearts  were  tender,  produced  a  profound  impression,  and 
led  to  the  conversion  of  several  of  his  near  relatives. 

A  number  of  letters  written  in  those  times  of  interest 
have  been  preserved  and,  did  space  permit,  many  details 
of  the  work  might  be  given.  The  chief  object  of  making 
the  record  here  is  to  show  how  the  subject  of  this  memoir 
was  employed  by  God  in  the  work.  We  have  already 
seen  her  intense  solicitude  and  earnest  expectation  of  a 
revival.  In  the  frankness  of  pen-and-ink  converse  with 
her  mother  she  writes : 

At  one  time  for  a  few  days  the  good  work  seemed  to  decline  in 
some  measure,  and  many  began  to  fear  that  the  gracious  shower 


HARVESTING.  95 

had  passed  over,  yet  my  faith  did  not  forsake  its  hold,  and  several 
times  I  told  Brother  Shaw  that  I  believed  we  should  yet  see  a  more 
glorious  work.  I  was  confident  the  cloud  of  mercy  still  lingered 
over  Mount  Holly,  though  the  heavenly  influence  was  suspended 
for  a  little,  perhaps  to  try  our  faith  and  incite  us  to  increased  effort. 
Brother  Shaw  replied  :  "I  am  very  glad  to  hear  you  say  so,  for  I 
believe  you  are  a  true  prophet.  I  remember  when  my  faith  was 
drooping,  respecting  a  revival,  you  told  me  it  was  coming  like  a 
mighty,  rushing  wind,  and,  sure  enough,  so  it  did  come." 

The  fresh  impulse  to  the  work  above  described  oc- 
curred within  a  very  few  days  of  that  conversation,  and 
indicated  that  "  the  secret  of  the  Lord  "  had  indeed  been 
imparted  to  His  trusting  disciple.  On  many  occasions 
during  her  long  life  she  was  permitted  by  her  faith  to 
inspire  and.  help  that  of  a  pastor. 

Zeal  like  that  of  Mrs.  James  could  not  spend  itself 
in  secret  devotion  and  expressions  of  confidence  to 
Christian  friends.  In  the  social  gatherings  of  God's  peo- 
ple her  faith  grasped  the  prize  she  sought,  and  it  was  not 
a  rare  occurrence  for  a  whole  company  to  be  lifted  to 
new  altitudes  of  fervor  and  expectation  as  they  listened 
to  her  earnest  pleading  and  expressions  of  exultant  con- 
fidence. 

The  writer  of  these  pages  has  often  heard  her  speak 
of  a  day  of  fasting  and  prayer  about  the  time  of  the 
beginning  of  this  work  under  Mr.  Shaw's  pastorate. 
On  this  occasion  hearts  almost  forgot  earthly  things  in 
the  absorbing  desire  for  the  revival  of  God's  work,  and 
the  waiting  ones  were  assured  of  victory.  To  her  mind 
there  was  a  close  connection  between  that  day  of  prayer 
and  the  great  revival. 

During  the  intervals  between  meetings  Mrs.  James 
would  seek  at  their  homes  those  for  whom  she  had  been 
praying  and  in  whom  she  had  seen  manifestations  of 


96  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

interest,  and  converse  with  them.  With  all  the  pathos 
and  Spirit-inspired  power  of  persuasion  she  could  com- 
mand she  would  plead  with  them  to  submit  to  God. 
Perhaps  the  pledge  would  be  given  of  the  purpose  to 
begin  the  great  work  at  once.  Then  would  the  believ- 
ing one  kneel  and  seek  the  Spirit's  seal  to  the  transaction. 
In  the  public  services  she  was  not  less  active.  The 
Rev.  George  Hughes,  once  her  pastor,  and  ever  since  her 
cherished  friend,  in  an  obituary  notice  says  of  her  work 
of  this  sort : 

1 '  How  often  has  he  seen  her  in  revival  services,  taking  her  seat 
in  the  back  part  of  the  congregation,  watching  for  the  tear  upon 
the  cheek  or  the  heaving  of  the  bosom  of  some  unsaved  person,  and 
it  was  quite  common  for  her  to  bring  subjects  for  prayer  to  the 
altar  and  she  would  labor  with  them  until,  looking  upon  the  '  Cru- 
cified,' they  lived." 

Those  labors  in  the  altar  service!  Who  that  ever 
closely  observed  the  movements  of  this  laborer  in  the 
Gospel  could  fail  to  be  impressed  with  her  holy  tact  ? 
Kneeling  by  a  penitent  she  would  learn  by  a  few  ques- 
tions the  exact  state  of  that  heart,  and  would  urge  un- 
conditional surrender  to  God.  When  sure  that  the  soul 
had  submitted,  she  would  point  the  eye  of  faith  to  Jesus. 
In  her  winning  way  she  would  hold  the  inquirer  to  the 
divine  love  as  manifested  on  Calvary.  Then  she  would 
say  :  "  Do  you  not  see  that  Jesus  is  your  Savior  ?  Claim 
Him  as  yours.  Say,  '  Jesus  is  my  Savior.' "  Tremblingly 
the  lips  would  utter  the  words,  "  Jesus  is  my  Savior  !  " 
This  would  be  repeated  at  the  helper's  request  again  and 
again  and  again,  until,  in  the  Spirit's  light,  it  became 
a  matter  of  divine  consciousness,  and  the  seeker  would 
exclaim  :  "  Why,  yes,  Jesus  is  my  Savior !  "  Soon  words 
of  trust  and  praise  would  follow,  and  the  soul  would  re- 


HARVESTING.  97 

joice  in  the  new  birth.  At  this  point  it  would  be  hard 
to  tell  which  felt  the  greater  joy,  the  one  just  learning  to 
trust  the  infinite  Savior  or  she  who  had  been  permitted 
to  lift  the  tendrils  of  faith  until  they  had  clasped  the 
cross. 

In  some  cases  it  seemed  hard  for  the  seeking  one  to 
grasp  the  truth.  Then  with  what  patience  and  Spirit- 
guided  ingenuity  did  the  helper  remove  difficulties,  over- 
come hesitation,  and  continue  her  efforts  until  the  victory 
came. 

Often,  in  the  midst  of  the  struggle,  the  leader  of  the 
meeting  would  call  upon  "  Sister  James "  to  lead  the 
worshipers  in  prayer.  If  ever  heaven  and  earth  came 
together,  it  was  when  her  pleading  voice  was  heard  in 
behalf  of  a  company  of  contrite  ones  seeking  Jesus. 
Her  complete,  absorbing  sympathy  for  the  heartbroken 
ones,  insight  into  their  difficulties  and  needs,  mighty 
faith  in  the  promises  to  the  seeker,  exultant  expectation 
of  immediate  answers  to  prayer,  lifted  and  united  all 
Christians  and  in  answer  to  those  pleadings  floods  of 
divine  glory  came  upon  the  waiting  company. 

But  perhaps  the  meeting  would  close  without  complete 
victory.  One  and  another  would  be  found  with  face  sad 
and  eyes  downcast  and  tear-filled,  still  unable  to  find 
Him  whose  favor  seemed  to  be  withheld.  With  such  an 
one  an  appointment  was  sure  to  be  made  hy  Mrs.  James 
for  a  private  interview,  either  at  her  own  house  or  at 
some  other  place.  Such  directly  personal  labor  was  the 
special  forte  of  the  subject  of  this  memoir.  Faithfully, 
yet  tenderly,  each  idol  was  sought  out  and  held  up  to  the 
gaze  of  the  hesitating  one,  until  the  last  was  dethroned 
and  the  heart  completely  yielded  to  Him  whose  right  it 
is  to  rule.    Patiently,  as  well  as  with  consummate  wisdom, 

5 


98  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

was  the  Object  of  faith  held  up  before  one  whose  lack 
was  in  this  direction,  until,  like  Thomas,  the  doubting 
one  could  say,  "  My  Lord  and  my  God  ! "  Hundreds 
still  on  earth,  and  doubtless  other  hundreds  whom  she 
has  already  met  in  heaven,  have  thanked  God  and  her 
for  help  in  the  hour  of  their  agony. 

The  reader  will  not  wonder  that  in  such  revival  scenes 
as  these  this  spirit,  so  in  sympathy  with  the  work  of 
Jesus,  was  most  truly  in  its  element.  Many  times  dur- 
ing her  sixty  years'  work  for  Jesus  it  was  her  privilege 
to  engage  in  such  labors.  In  none,  perhaps,  was  her 
joy  more  profound  than  in  those  seasons  of  refreshing  in 
Mount  Holly  in  the  years  1841,  '42,  and  '43,  the  culmina- 
tion of  which  is  described  in  a  letter  to  Miss  Eogers, 
March  6,  1843 : 

Yesterday  was  our  sacramental  occasion,  and  oh !  how  my  soul 
feasted  on  heavenly  food  while  I  listened  to  the  Word  of  Life  from 
our  beloved  pastor,  whose  lips  seemed  touched  with  hallowed  fire, 
and  while  the  emblems  of  our  adorable  Savior's  death  were  admin- 
istered to  the  happy  multitude  who  gathered  around  the  table  of 
the  Lord.  It  was  to  me  a  soul-thrilling  and  heart-melting  sight. 
The  number  of  communicants  has  nearly  doubled  since  the  last 
time  we  enjoyed  a  season  of  communion.  Scores  who  but  a  few 
weeks  since  were  aliens  from  God,  pursuing  the  road  to  perdition, 
approached  the  table  of  the  Lord.  Their  tearful  yet  joy-beaming 
eyes  told  that  they  realized  the  blessedness  of  that  great  salvation 
purchased  for  them  by  the  sacrificial  atonement  of  the  adorable 
Jesus.  .  .  .  Two  hundred  and  ten  have  united  themselves 
with  our  church  since  the  first  of  January.  Is  not  this  a  glorious 
work  ?     Praise  the  Lord,  O  my  soul ! 


CHAPTER  IV. 

THREE    SUMMER   VISITS. 

At  the  Seaside. 

Warm  weather  almost  always  brought  with  it  a  con- 
dition of  feebleness  and  exhaustion  which  made  it  abso- 
lutely necessary  for  Mrs.  James  to  have  a  change  of  air 
and  scene.  It  was  her  privilege  to  find,  usually  some- 
where near  the  ocean,  the  tonic  her  impaired  health 
needed.  The  following  letter,  describing  one  such  sum- 
mer visit,  was  addressed  to  two  friends,  then  near  to- 
gether, Misses  Anna  R.  Rogers  and  Louisa  Silvers.  It 
is  dated  "  Long  Branch,  K  J.,  August  20,  1840 : " 

I  wish  you  could  just  now  peep  into  my  little  room  at  the  seaside 
and  see  how  nicely  I  am  fixed  ;  how  surrounded  with  everything 
calculated  to  invigorate  my  physical  system  and  to  inspire  feelings 
of  devotion  and  adoration  toward  the  great  Creator,  whose  won- 
derful works  are  spread  out  before  me  in  surpassing  magnificence 
and  variety.  My  room  has  three  windows,  commanding  views  of  the 
east,  west,  and  south.  I  look  on  one  side  and  behold  the  mighty 
ocean  rolling  its  foaming  billows  in  majestic  beauty,  now  glittering 
in  the  sun's  bright  beams,  as  though  millions  on  millions  of  spark- 
ling diamonds  gemmed  its  expansive  bosom.  Then  I  turn  my  eyes 
on  the  land  and  view  a  picture  of  smiling  loveliness.  The  distant 
hills,  the  fields  of  corn  waving  in  rich  luxuriance,  and  meadows 
clothed  with  verdure.  Trees  of  various  kinds,  and  here  and  there  a 
grove  and  a  garden  with  sweet  flowers,  lend  their  charms  to  com- 
plete the  lovely  scene.  Amid  all  this  combination  of  terrestrial  at- 
tractions I  do  not  forget  to  look  above  and  gaze  with  admiration 
at  the  shining  orbs  that  roll  'mid  heaven's  sapphire,  nor  do  I  lose 


100  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

sight  of  Him  who  is  their  great  Architect.  With  the  Psalmist,  my 
soul  breaks  forth  in  strains  of  holy,  rapturous  praise :  ' '  Bless  the 
Lord,  O  my  soul!  "  "O  Lord,  my  God,  Thou  art  very  great.  Thou 
art  clothed  with  honor  and  majesty;  "  "  Thou  coverest  Thyself  with 
light  as  with  a  garment;"  "Who  stretchest  out  the  heavens  like 
a  curtain,  Who  layeth  the  beams  of  His  chambers  in  the  waters;" 
"Who  maketh  the  clouds  His  chariot,  Who  walketh  upon  the 
-wings  of  the  wind." 

Since  I  have  been  here  the  flame  of  my  devotion  has  had  so  great 
an  addition  of  fuel  that  it  has  been  burning  with  greater  intensity 
and  aspiring  to  its  Source  with  increasing  ardor.  The  ocean's  vast 
immensity  is  an  emblem  of  the  boundless  love  of  God,  and  seems  to 
be  ever  speaking  to  my  heart  of  the  goodness  of  my  adorable 
Father.  Father  !  and  is  it  possible  that  I  can  look  on  all  the  mag- 
nificent works  of  that  Almighty  Being, 

"  And  lift  to  heaven  an  unpresumptuous  eye 
And  smiling  say,  '  My  Father  made  them  all.' " 

Amazing  condescension  in  that  exalted  and  infinitely  glorious  Be- 
ing to  own  me  for  his  child !  Glory  be  ascribed  to  Him !  Unceas- 
ing praise  by  every  power  of  my  soul,  mind,  and  body  evermore. 
Oh !  I  feel  like  working  for  my  God  with  redoubled  energy,  like 
spending  my  all  in  His  blessed  service.  My  soul  seems  to  soar  up 
on  the  wings  of  holy  love  and  to  look  down  upon  all  the  mighty 
ones  of  earth  who  are  "rich  and  increased  in  goods,"  whose  gods 
are  their  gold  and  silver,  and  whose  pleasures  are  the  vain  and  sor- 
did toys  of  "folly's  gilded  nothingness,"  with  pity  and  with  won- 
der, and  think  how  much  more  exalted  is  my  station,  how  much 
more  extensive  and  valuable  is  my  inheritance ;  for 

"  I  claim,  in  virtue  of  my  birth, 
A  never-fading  crown." 

There  is  a  lady  here  of  the  description  just  mentioned ;  desti- 
tute of  the  true  riches,  but  possessing  the  wealth  of  this  world  in 
abundance.  When  I  look  at  her  splendor,  her  rich  array  of  jewel- 
ry, etc.,  in  my  soul  I  pity  her;  and  long,  O  with  what  intensity,  to 
pluck  her  as  a  brand  from  the  burning.  May  I  be  instrumental  in 
effecting  some  good  while  here,  is  my  unceasing  prayer  !     Nothing 


THREE  SUMMER   VISITS.  101 

do  I  dread  more  than  being  an  idler  in  the  vineyard  when  there  is 
so  much  to  be  done. 

I  am  happy  in  meeting  one  Christian  here ;  a  Scotch  lady  of  su- 
perior intelligence  and  piety.  Her  society  is  truly  delightful,  and 
though  she  is  a  Presbyterian  and  I  a  Methodist  our  fellowship  is 
sweet,  for  we  are  one  in  Christ  Jesus.  O  how  delightful  to  con- 
template that  world, 

"  Where  the  cold  name  of  sect,  which  sometimes  throws 
Unholy  shadows  o'er  the  heaven-born  soul, 
Doth  melt  to  nothingness,  and  every  surge 
Of  waning  doctrine,  in  whose  eddying  depths 
Earth's  charity  is  drowned,  is  sweetly  lost 
In  the  broad  ocean  of  Eternal  Love. " 

It  always  pains  my  soul  to  discover  in  the  professed  followers  of 
Jesus  sectarian  bigotry.  I  thank  Heaven  it  has  no  place  in  my 
heart,  and  I  rejoice  to  meet  with  one  who  possesses  a  liberal  soul 
and  extends  the  hand  of  fellowship  to  all  Christians,  without  refer- 
ence to  name  or  sect.  Such  is  the  lady  of  whom  I  speak,  and  oh, 
how  I  love  her. 

Among   the   Hills. 

The  summer  of  1841  was  spent  by  the  subject  of  this 
memoir  amid  surroundings  totally  different  from  those  of 
the  previous  year,  but  no  less  congenial.  After  a  brief 
visit  to  her  mother  in  Trenton,  Mrs.  James  went  to  Eas- 
ton,  Pa.,  whence,  in  company  with  her  dear  friend,  Miss 
Anna  E.  Rogers,  she  journeyed  to  Maria  Furnace,  near 
Mauch  Chunk,  Pa.  Their  visit  was  to  their  mutual 
friend,  Miss  Sarah  Richards,  now  Mrs.  Boyle  of  Califor- 
nia, who  was  making  her  home  with  her  brother,  Mr. 
Samuel  L.  Richards.  A  letter,  written  on  the  day  of  the 
arrival  of  the  guests,  tells  of  their  trip,  their  reception, 
etc.  The  following  account  of  the  visit  is  from  a  second 
letter  to  Mrs.  Yard,  dated  "Maria  Furnace,  July  17, 
1841 : " 


102  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

Never  did  I  spend  my  time  more  pleasantly  to  both  soul  and  body 
than  since  I  have  been  in  this  delightful  spot,  which  seems  to  me  a 
paradise  richly  and  profusely  ornamented  with  nature's  beauties, 
exhibiting  His  power  and  skill  and  goodness  Who  formed  the  uni- 
verse ;  surrounded  with  all  that  tends  to  charm  the  eye,  delight  the 
ear,  promote  the  health,  refine  the  mind,  and  improve  the  heart. 
How  could  I  but  be  happy,  especially  as  I  clearly  discern  the  hand 
of  my  gracious  God  in  this  visit.  I  am  happy  beyond  description 
in  the  full  assurance  that  I  have  yielded  all  my  powers  of  soul  and 
body  and  mind  to  His  sweet  control  and  am  continually  guided  by 
His  Spirit.  It  was  my  unceasing  prayer  for  weeks  before  I  came 
here  that  I  might  not  be  permitted  to  come  unless  it  was  pleasing 
to  God  and  would  promote  His  glory.  If  He  saw  it  would  be  the 
means  of  good  to  my  own  soul  or  to  others,  that  the  way  might  be 
evidently  open  for  me  to  go.  Every  circumstance  seemed  to  indi- 
cate that  it  was  right  for  me  to  take  the  journey,  and  I  felt  fully 
assured  of  the  approval  of  God  in  it.  Since  I  have  been  here  the 
Lord  has  revealed  Himself  more  fully  to  my  heart,  and  has  conde- 
scended to  use  me  as  an  instrument  of  good  to  others.  .  .  .  My 
heart  has  been  gladdened  by  seeing  some  dear  souls  awakened  to  a 
sense  of  their  need  of  a  Savior,  and  an  inquiry  seems  to  be  excited 
in  many  in  regard  to  the  momentous  concerns  of  salvation. 

They  call  me  a  ' '  missionary  "  here.  I  go  around,  in  company 
with  dear  Sarah  and  Anna,  from  house  to  house  among  the  people, 
and  converse  and  pray  with  them,  and  I  feel  that  the  blessed  Jesus 
is  with  me  and  upholds  and  assists  me  in  every  effort  I  make  for 
the  salvation  of  precious  souls.  O  the  luxury  of  doing  good !  I 
am  never  so  happy  as  when  engaged  in  working  for  my  Divine 
Master.  It  is  sweet,  blessed  employment  to  win  souls  to  Christ 
and  to  advance  the  cause  of  Him  whom  my  soul  loveth.  Some- 
times nature  would  shrink  from  the  cross,  but  grace  always  tri- 
umphs and  I  can  say,  -'His  yoke  is  easy  and  His  burden  is  light." 

Shall  I  tell  you  how  we  spend  our  time  here  ?  We  rise  in  the 
morning  and  the  first  sound  that  greets  our  ears  is  the  sweet  carol 
of  the  birds,  warbling  among  the  trees  their  morning  lays  of  grate- 
ful praise  to  their  Creator.  We  look  out  and  behold  the  lofty 
mountains  clothed  with  richest  verdure.  The  green  meadows  and 
pleasant  groves  and  silver  streams  all  meet  our  delighted  vision  at 
one  view,  and  the   pure  mountain  air,  fragrant  with  the  newly 


THREE  SUMMER   VISITS.  103 

mown  grass,  comes  wafted  to  us  in  gentle  zephyrs  and  infuses  an 
invigorating  and  refreshing  influence.  Then  comes  the  morning 
prayer,  and  we  offer  up  our  sacrifice  with  glad  and  grateful  hearts; 
then  breakfast,  and  a  delightful  walk  or  ride  among  the  mountains. 
There,  seated  in  some  beautiful  grove,  we  engage  in  sweet  converse 
on  the  things  of  God,  sing  several  hymns,  read  something  calcu- 
lated to  elevate  our  minds,  and  sometimes  offer  up  our  united 
prayers  in  nature's  own  beautiful  temple,  with  the  lovely  trees  for 
our  canopy,  stones  or  logs  for  seats,  and  the  green  grass  as  a  carpet. 
After  an  hour  or  two  in  this  employment  we  walk  home  again,  and 
rest  a  while  before  dinner.  After  having  dined  we  lie  down  a  little 
while,  and  then  rise,  refreshed  in  spirit  and  in  body,  and  pass  the 
rest  of  the  day  in  reading,  sewing,  and  pleasant  converse.  After 
tea  we  take  another  walk  and  return  for  family  devotion,  after 
which  we  spend  a  little  time  in  singing.  On  two  evenings  of  the 
week  we  have  meetings,  and  the  Lord  meets  with  us  and  refreshes 
our  souls. 

A  letter  from  Mrs.  Boyle,  written  since  the  death  of 
Mrs.  James,  adds  some  details  of  this  visit: 

"  Though  so  debilitated,  she  was  daily  abroad  in  the  Master's 
service.  In  the  homes  of  the  workmen  she  was  like  an  angel  of 
light  and  love.  She  had  such  tact  and  wisdom  as  to  be  ever  at  ease 
herself,  and  she  could  cover  with  great  delicacy  any  apparently  in- 
appropriate circumstances,  and  give  a  moment's  exhortation  and 
kneel  in  prayer,  making  all  feel  that  that  alone  was  the  proper 
thing  to  do. 

"We  were  frequently  at  Mauch  Chunk  during  her  visit,  amid  a 
very  interesting  circle  of  young  people.  Mrs.  James  on  such  occa. 
sions  was  one  of  the  greatest  of  charms.  She  had  a  lovely  face, 
very  expressive  brown,  lustrous  eyes,  and  a  sweet,  melodious  voice. 
Her  songs  were  always  in  order.  She  used  to  sing  the  grand  old 
hymns  of  the  Methodist  Collection  with  such  persuasive  and  im- 
pressive force  as  to  melt  us  to  tears.  She  is  remembered  now  by 
the  older  Christians  of  that  town  as  a  wonderful  revelation  of  Chris- 
tian life  and  power.     Her  name  is  spoken  with  reverence  and  love. 

u  I  remember  on  one  occasion  we  had  company  to  tea — two  min- 
isters.    We  arose  from  the  tea-table  and  took  a  walk  to  a  lovely 


104  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

spot  at  the  foot  of  the  mountain  where  a  rippling  stream  swept  by. 
Seated  on  rustic  seats,  she  read  to  us  one  of  Mrs.  Palmer's  letters 
which  she  had  just  received,  and  commented  upon  the  beautiful 
passages  it  contained.  Our  hearts  were  all  solemnized.  Arriving 
at  home  just  in  the  twilight,  as  we  assembled  in  our  little  parlor 
she  said :  'I  feel  as  if  God  would  pour  out  an  especial  blessing  on 
us  if  we  engage  in  prayer.'  "We  did  so,  calling  in  two  clerks  from 
the  office  and  the  three  servants  from  the  kitchen.  Oh,  what  an 
overshadowing  of  the  Divine  Presence  filled  the  place !  At  her  re- 
quest we  all  prayed  successively.  The  three  girls  were  stricken 
with  conviction  that  led  to  their  conversion  shortly  thereafter.  Our 
seasons  of  family  worship  were  effusions  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
those  weeks  of  intercourse  with  her  are  points  in  the  past  to  which 
I  recur  to-day  with  profound  gratitude.  She  taught  us  what  a 
Christian  ought  to  be.  Many  can  do  that,  but  she  showed  us  how 
to  personify  those  teachings.     Here  so  many  fail." 

All  this  was  very  pleasant  for  those  three  Christian 
young  ladies  and  must  have  been  spiritually  profitable, 
but  the. question  naturally  arises,  Was  this  vacation  a 
success  as  a  means  of  promoting  the  health  of  this  inva- 
lid ?  Mrs.  Boyle  remarks  that,  before  the  visit :  "  Her 
health,  always  frail,  was  greatly  impaired,  and  we  hoped 
the  mountain  air  would  benefit  her." 

Mrs.  James,  in  her  first  letter  to  her  mother,  reported 
a  gain  in  strength  from  the  journey  itself.  After  some 
three  weeks  amid  these  refreshing  influences  she  writes 
again : 

I  have  become  so  strong  I  can  bear  almost  anything.  I  run  up 
and  down  these  mountains  like  a  young  deer,  and  have  such  an  ap- 
petite I  am  almost  ashamed  to  indulge  it  to  its  full  extent.  I 
walk  two  miles  with  scarcely  any  fatigue,  and  before  I  left  home 
I  could  not  walk  a  quarter  of  a  mile  without  feeling  very  weary. 
For  the  last  week  I  have  gained  more  rapidly  than  before,  and  I 
think  it  is  well,  on  account  of  my  health,  that  I  did  not  go  home 
when  I  intended.     I  seem  to  have  been  providentially  brought  here 


THREE  SUMMER  VISITS.  105 

and  providentially  detained  thus  long.  I  cannot  doubt  but  that 
some  good  will  result  from  it.  I  never  felt  more  conscious  of  the 
divine  approbation  in  anything  than  in  this,  and  I  hope  to  praise 
the  Lord  in  heaven  for  conferring  upon  me  so  blessed  a  privilege. 

Who  can  doubt  that  this  hope  has  been  realized  ?  The 
opportunity  for  usefulness  to  those  people  came  but  once 
in  this  long  life,  but  it  was  well  improved. 

A  little  girl  is  said  to  have  ended  her  prayer  on  the 
eve  of  vacation  with  the  words,  "  Good-by,  God !  I  am 
going  to  the  country."  Many  who  would  not  use  such 
language  as  this  seem  to  regard  any  special  attention  to 
spiritual  matters  during  vacation  as  interfering  with  the 
benefit  to  health  which  is  the  chief  object  of  such  an  out- 
ing. This  Christian  woman,  so  frail  that  her  life  seemed 
like  a  flame  just  ready  to  go  out,  not  only  left  in  that 
place  a  savor  of  piety  which  has  remained  for  forty  years, 
but  gained  stars  for  her  immortal  crown.  The  same  may 
be  said  of  every  respite  from  ordinary  work  which  she 
allowed  herself.  Yet  she  was  usually  recuperated  in 
health  by  these  vacations,  and  lived  three  }^ears  be}7ond 
the  threescore  and  ten.  It  is  safe  to  "  seek  first  the  king- 
dom," leaving  "all  these  things"  to  be  added  as  the 
Master  sees  best. 

In   the   Metropolis. 

In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1840  Mrs.  James  had 
made  the  visit  to  New  York,  mentioned  elsewhere,  dur- 
ing which  it  was  her  privilege  to  meet  Mrs.  Phoebe 
Palmer  and  to  begin  the  intimacy  which  is  doubtless  a 
source  of  joy  to  these  kindred  spirits  now  that  they  are 
before  the  throne  of  God,  as  it  was  for  nearly  twoscore 
years  on  earth.  In  the  autumn  of  1841  Mrs.  Palmer 
visited  Mrs.  James  in  Mount  Holly. 


106  THE  LIFE  OF  MBS.   JAMES. 

Such  was  the  state  of  the  young  wife's  health  in  the 
early  part  of  1842  that  it  was  deemed  best  for  her  to  be 
temporarily  released  from  domestic  cares,  and  she,  with 
her  husband  and  little  son,  arranged  to  board  with  a  fam- 
ily who  had  taken  possession  of  their  house.  After  rest- 
ing at  home  for  a  few  weeks,  Mrs.  James  found  a  change 
desirable.  Instead  of  seeking  sea-shore  or  mountain,  she 
accepted  the  kind  invitation  of  Mrs.  Palmer  to  spend 
some  weeks  at  her  home  in  the  great  city.  The  tourist 
reached  52  Rivington  Street,  May  IS,  1842.  From  the 
very  full  notes  of  this  visit  in  her  diary  and  in  a  letter  to 
her  mother,  the  following  account  of  the  visit  is  con- 
densed. Some  of  the  names  mentioned  will  bring:  to 
many  readers  pleasant  memories  of  now  sainted  ones,  then 
so  prominent  in  the  charmed  circle  into  which  the  sub- 
ject of  this  memoir  was  introduced. 

May  19,  evening. — This  afternoon  I  attended  Dr.  Palmer's  class. 
Sister  Palmer  led  it,  and  my  spirit  did  rejoice  in  God  my  Savior, 
while  listening  to  the  testimonies  of  three  dear  sisters  who  enjoy 
entire  sanctification.  It  was  like  the  reviving  influence  of  a  shower 
on  the  frail  plant  that  droops  beneath  the  withering  rays  of  the  sum- 
mer sun.  It  gives  me  new  life,  and  imparts  so  powerful  an  impetus 
to  my  spirit  that  I  feel  like  running  upward  with  redoubled  dili- 
gence. 

The  new  strength  of  soul  was  soon  in  requisition,  for 
in  the  evening  the  young  disciple,  who  had  never  before 
attempted  such  labor,  was  called  upon  to  lead  Mrs.  Pal- 
mer's class.  "  I  went,"  she  says,  "  in  all  my  feebleness, 
just  leaning  on  the  arm  of  Omnipotence."  It  was  "  a 
season  of  refreshing." 

May  20. — What  a  blessed  privilege  I  enjoy  in  being  with  dear 
Sister  Palmer.  I  seem  to  breathe  a  heavenly  atmosphere  while  in 
her  society.      How  clearly  is  the   beauty  and  excellency  of  the 


THREE  SUMMER    VISITS.  107 

religion  of  Jesus  exemplified  in  her  blameless  life,  her  ardent  de- 
votion to  the  cause  of  God,  and  the  evident  success  of  her  efforts 
to  do  good. 

The  New  York  Conference  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church  was  holding  its  session  at  the  time,  and  Mrs. 
James  writes  of  her  interest  in  meeting  the  venerable 
and  excellent  Christian  ministers  connected  with  it.  On 
Sunday,  May  22,  she  listened  to  a  discourse  by  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Stratton,  of  which  his  enthusiastic  hearer  says : 

A  good,  old-fashioned  Methodist  sermon.  How  I  do  love  primi- 
tive simplicity,  energy,  and  spirituality. 

Monday,  23. — This  morning,  accompanied  by  Sister  P.,  I  called 
on  Mrs.  Dr.  White,  Mrs.  Henry  Moore,  and  Mrs.  Bartine,  all  blessed 
ones  of  the  Most  High  who  follow  the  Lord  fully.  Had  a  delight- 
ful and  profitable  interview  with  each.  Sat  an  hour  with  Sister 
White,  and  listened  with  intense  interest  to  her  conversation,  which 
was  emphatically  seasoned  with  grace.  How  admirably  is  the 
dignity  of  the  finished  lady  and  the  humility  of  the  devout  Chris- 
tian blended  in  her  deportment.  In  Sister  Moore,  too,  grace  is 
magnified  by  the  sweet  amiability  of  her  character  and  the  pro- 
priety^ and  loveliness  of  her  whole  demeanor.  She  is  a  pattern  wife, 
mother,  housekeeper,  and  Christian.  Sister  Bartine  silently  and 
unostentatiously  diffuses  the  hallowed  influence  of  Christian  ex- 
ample. Religion  seems  truly  lovely  in  her.  With  all  these  I 
formed  an  acquaintance  eighteen  months  since,  and  how  thankful 
I  feel  to  God  for  favoring  me  with  such  precious  friends. 

In  calling  upon  Mrs.  Harper,  "  another  of  the  blessed 
ones  who  bear  the  image  of  the  Savior,"  the  visitor  was 
disappointed  because  the  meeting  she  expected  was  omit- 
ted for  the  evening.  The  statement  of  her  friend,  as  to 
the  good  received  nine  years  before  at  her  meeting,  led 
Mrs.  Harper  to  say :  "  I  will  never  permit  an}7thing  to 
interfere  with  this  meeting  again." 

At  a  social  gathering  at  Mrs.  Palmer's  her  guest  was 
impressed  with  the  testimony  of  a"  Sister  Bishop." 


10S  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

She  came  to  the  determination  to  trust  in  Jesus  with  all  her 
heart,  at  all  times,  in  all  places,  under  all  circumstances,  all  her  life 
long.  Thus  she  "  threw  herself  overboard  and  was  taken  up  in  the 
life-boat.'' 

This  recalled  to  the  visitor  experiences  of  her  own 
illustrating  the  same  principle,  and  she  adds,  "I  never  yet 
trusted  in  vain." 

May  25. — This  afternoon  took  tea  at  Sister  Moore's  in  company 
with  some  of  the  excellent  of  the  earth,  namely,  Dr.  White  and 
lady,  Kev.  Mr.  Gray  of  the  New  York  Conference,  Mrs.  Hurlbut, 
and  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer.  It  was  truly  a  delightful  and  profitable 
interview.  .  .  .  When  I  meet  with  those  who  are  so  wise  in 
the  things  of  God  I  feel  it  so  exalted  a  privilege  to  learn  of  them, 
and  when  I  compare  myself  with  them  I  feel  that  I  am  but  a  babe 
in  Christ. 

The  same  entry  reports  Mr.  Moore's  statement  that  he 
had  retained  the  experience  of  perfect  love  twenty-seven 
years  by  observing  three  rules :  "First,  Never  to  do  any- 
thing that  I  know  to  be  wrong.  Second,  Never  to  do  any- 
thing that  I  believe  to  be  wrong.  Third,  Never  to  do 
anything  concerning  which  I  have  any  doubts.  I  don't 
go  near  the  devil's  premises,  for  I  know  my  own  weak- 
ness so  wrell  that  I  dare  not  tamper  with  sin.  I  am  so 
afraid  of  it  that  I  keep  as  far  off  as  I  possibly  can." 

An  afternoon  with  the  Rev.  John  J.  Matthias,  renew- 
ing the  valued  friendship  of  former  years,  wTas  followed 
by  a  missionary  meeting  at  which  the  Rev.  Joseph  Hold- 
ich — the  "  ever-loved  and  valued  friend  "  of  Mrs.  James — 
and  the  Rev.  Edmund  S.  Janes  (afterward  a  bishop)  were 
the  speakers.  Their  hearer  found  her  interest  in  the  great 
cause  of  missions  deepened  and  intensified,  and  she  longed 
for  wealth  to  help  it  forward. 

May  27. — Spent  the  night  with  Sister  Hurlbut.     What  a  sweet 


THREE  SUMMER  VISITS.  109 

spirit  she  is !  so  gentle,  so  meek,  so  kind,  so  lovely !  My  acquaint- 
ance with  her  commenced  nine  years  ago,  and  every  time  I  see  her 
I  love  her  more. 

The  day  after  this  visit  symptoms  of  disease,  which  had 
been  hovering  about  the  visitor,  became  more  marked,  and 
the  frail  little  body  was  subjected  to  an  attack  of  the  nat- 
ure of  pleurisy.  Yet  her  pen  notes  "  a  happy  night "  and 
"  entire  acquiescence  in  God's  blessed  will  with  reference 
to  health  and  life  and  everything."  She  writes  of  being 
prevented  from  spending  so  much  time  with  those  whose 
conversation  had  been  so  refreshing  to  her  spirit.  Of 
this  unexpected  experience  she  says  : 

I  fear  I  am  too  prone  to  depend  upon  instrumentalities  instead  of 
looking  to  God  alone  as  the  great  Source  of  all  good,  though  His 
precious  saints  are  frequently  the  channels  through  which  the 
streams  of  His  benevolence  are  communicated.  I  thought  I  could 
hear  the  voice  of  my  ever-merciful  Savior  saying  through  this  dis- 
pensation to  His  erring  child,  "Cease  from  man,  whose  breath  is  in 
his  nostrils,  and  look  to  Me  only  as  thy  all-sufficient  Good."  I  re- 
ceived the  blessed  admonition  with  heartfelt  gratitude,  and  trust  I 
shall  never  forget  the  valuable  lesson  taught  me  in  this  visit  to  New 
York. 

Through  the  blessing  of  God  upon  remedies  prescribed 
by  her  good  friend,  Dr.  W.  C.  Palmer,  Mrs.  James  was 
soon  restored,  and  continued  her  visits  among  those  whose 
society  she  found  so  profitable.  She  speaks  of  Mrs. 
Shipman,  "  one  of  the  excellent  of  the  earth,  a  sister  of 
Eev.  Dr.  Payson."  Of  Mrs.  Worrall,  "a  precious  wom- 
an, wholly  devoted  to  God  ;  unaffected  in  her  manners 
and  interesting  in  her  appearance,"  and  Mrs.  Rev.  E.  S. 
Janes,  "  to  whom,"  she  says,  "I  am  indebted  for  my  first 
visit  to  New  York  and  for  my  acquaintance  with  some 
of  the  most  valued  friends  in  this  city.     For  nine  years 


110  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

I  have  known  and  loved  her  as  one  of  the  most  pre- 
cious jewels  of  the  Lord,  and  she  is  still  as  devoted  and  as 
lovely  as  ever."  One  day,  in  company  with  Mrs.  Hurl- 
but,  she  called  upon  Miss  "Wigton,  and  was  reminded  of 
the  process  of  refining  gold  in  the  furnace  and  testing  it 
by  the  hammer.     She  remarks  : 

Miss  Wigton  has  been  kept  in  the  crucible,  being  occasionally 
beaten  with  the  hammer.  She  appears  to  endure  the  severe  process 
with  perfect  submission.  For  thirty  years  she  says  she  has  not 
known  what  it  was  to  be  free  from  pain  one  hour.  Most  of  that 
time  she  has  suffered  the  most  torturing  pain  in  every  limb  and 
every  joint,  yet  she  says:  "  Oh,  how  I  am  blessed  !  A  comfortable 
bed  to  lie  upon,  soft  pillows  on  which  to  rest  my  aching  head.  My 
blessed  Savior  had  not  where  to  lay  His  head.  Oh,  what  reason  have 
I  to  praise  Him !  "  Amid  all  her  sufferings  she  is  uniformly  cheerful. 
It  seems  as  though  Miss  Wigton  is  kept  alive  to  show  the  power 
of  grace  to  render  the  soul  triumphant  in  the  deepest  affliction. 
Many  have  been  brought  to  a  knowledge  of  Jesus  through  her  instru- 
mentality, the  sainted  James  Brainard  Taylor  among  the  number. 

With  her  disposition  to  apply  every  lesson  to  her  own 
heart  the  writer  of  this  journal  asks  herself  whether  she 
would  be  willing  to  bear  like  suffering,  and  concludes  she 
would,  if  it  would  fit  her  for  "  extraordinary  service." 

And  now  the  alternative  was  presented  to  this  consci- 
entious Christian  of  spending  another  Sabbath  in  the 
great  city,  with  its  noted  preachers,  or  making  a  visit  of 
condolence  to  the  family  of  a  former  pastor  recently  be- 
reaved. She  chose  the  latter,  and  was  greatly  blessed  in 
so  doing.  Returning  on  Monday  to  the  city,  she  treas- 
ured a  remark  of  Mrs.  Harper  in  the  evening  meeting 
about  being  "instant  in  season  and  out  of  season," 
pushing  open  doors  of  usefulness  if  need  be;  which  lin- 
gered in  her  memory  and  was  quoted  to  the  readers  of 
the  Guide  thirty  years  later. 


THREE  SUMMER    VISITS.  Ill 

An  interview  with  a  number  of  guests  at  Dr.  Palmer's 
is  reported  as  having  been  full  of  profit.  A  saying  of 
"  Father  Scobie "  was  quoted,  that  he  was  "  rich,"  hav- 
ing learned  from  the  Life  of  Carvosso  what  a  glorious 
inheritance  he  had  in  Christ.  The  guest  remarked  that 
"  Father  Scobie  had  entered  into  his  inheritance."  Dr. 
Palmer  replied  that  "  the  old  gentleman  had  for  many 
years  lived  on  the  interest  of  his  property  and  had  now 
gone  to  enjoy  the  principal."     The  journal  adds : 

We  should  imitate  Father  Scobie  in  industriously  laying  up  treas- 
ures in  heaven.  Many  are  always  complaining  "my  leanness." 
The  reason  is  that  they  have  been  so  slothful  that  they  have  very 
little  laid  up  and  so  their  income  is  very  small.  My  soul  was  fired 
with  a  holy  ambition  to  have  so  large  an  inheritance  that  my  in- 
come may  supply  all  my  need  and  enable  me  to  live  quite  above  the 
world. 

And  now  came  an  ever-memorable  episode  in  this  re- 
markable visit.  With  Miss  Eogers,  who  had  come  to 
spend  some  days  with  her  friend,  and  their  hostess  Mrs. 
Palmer,  Mrs.  James  went  to  visit  the  sister  of  the  latter, 
Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Lankford,  then  living  at  Caldwell's  Land- 
ing, fifty  miles  up  the  Hudson  River.     Says  the  diary  : 

Our  journey  was  pleasant.  Sister  Shipman  and  Sister  Lankford 
came  to  meet  us  a  little  distance  from  the  house,  and  we  were 
greeted  with  much  cordiality.  As  soon  as  I  entered  the  pleasant 
abode  of  Sister  L.  I  felt  my  heart  warmed  with  gratitude  to  God 
for  the  privilege  of  meeting  one  so  emphatically  chosen  of  the  Most 
High,  and  who  so  sweetly  exemplifies  the  beauty  of  holiness. 

Delightful  converse,  a  trip  in  a  row-boat  on  the  Hud- 
son to  Haverstraw,  and  other  details  of  the  visit  are  men- 
tioned.    The  following  note  can  scarcely  be  condensed : 

June  10. — During  the  two  and  a  half  days  which  I  have  spent 


112  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

in  dear  Sister  Lankford's  house  I  have  felt  the  influence  of  her  holy 
example.  At  the  head  of  a  family  consisting  of  nearly  fifty  persons, 
she  seems  to  move  along  with  so  much  ease  and  calmness  and  sweet- 
ness; never  ruffled,  never  hurried,  never  disconcerted,  always  the 
same  heavenly-minded,  amiable,  and  gentle  one.  Some  years  since, 
I  am  informed,  when  she  was  differently  situated,  with  compara- 
tively few  family  concerns  to  occupy  her  mind,  it  was  said  by  some : 
' '  It  requires  no  effort  for  Mrs.  Lankford  to  be  always  soaring  heav- 
enward, for  she  has  nothing  to  bind  her  down  to  earth."  Now,  as 
if  to  show  the  power  of  grace,  God  has  placed  her  in  a  situation  in 
which  she  has  a  complication  of  cares  and  secular  duties,  more  than 
one  Christian  in  a  thousand  has  to  bear.  She  is  deprived,  too,  of 
those  religious  privileges  in  which  she  formerly  delighted.  Yet 
how  does  her  light  shine  even  with  increased  luster  in  this  situa- 
tion. O  how  my  soul  does  rejoice  to  see  so  bright  an  example  of 
the  power  of  grace. 

The  Christian  friendship  then  begun  continued  until, 
from  the  hospitable  home  of  that  friend,  now  Mrs.  Dr. 
Palmer,  the  spirit  of  Mrs.  James  was  borne  to  its  heav- 
enly rest. 

The  return  sail  upon  the  Hudson,  with  its  high  enjoy- 
ments, including  the  grand  scenery  and  the  company  of 
the  Eev.  Dr.  Nathan  Bangs,  as  well  as  of  the  lady 
friends,  was  followed  by  several  days  in  the  metropolis. 
"With  a  friend,  Mrs.  James  called  upon  "  one  of  the 
suffering  children  of  the  Lord,  Mrs.  Beebe,"  for  twenty- 
five  years  afflicted  with  a  cancer.  Her  sufferings  were 
increased  by  extreme  poverty,  yet  she  asked  her  visitors 
to  sin^ : 


"O 


*'  How  do  Thy  mercies  close  me  round, 
Forever  be  Thy  name  adored  ! " 

Said  she :  "I  have  the  greatest  reason  to  be  thankful  and  to  praise 
the  Lord  continually.  Jesus  is  with  me  all  the  time.  His  presence 
cheers  my  soul  night  and  day.     The  dear  Redeemer  often  fills  the 


THREE  SUMMER    VISITS.  113 

room  -with  His  glory  and  makes  my  soul  so  happy  that  I  forget  my 
sufferings  and  praise  my  God  by  the  hour.  My  wants,  too,  are  all 
supplied.  Sometimes,  when  I  am  out  of  everything  and  do  not 
know  where  the  next  meal  is  to  come  from,  my  Heavenly  Provider 
sends  one  of  His  servants  to  supply  me  with  food.  So  He  takes 
care  of  me  day  by  day." 

It  is  not  strange  that  the  visitor  remarks  :  "  I  received 
more  real  benefit  in  this  interview  than  from  all  the 
meetings  and  the  society  of  the  many  devoted  ones  with 
whom  I  have  been  permitted  to  mingle  during  my  stay 
in  Xew  York."  Her  enjoyment  and  profit,  too,  were 
all  the  greater,  because,  through  the  generosity  of  a 
friend,  she  was  permitted  to  minister  to  the  temporal 
needs  of  the  afflicted  woman. 

Some,  who  may  imagine  that  Mrs.  James  was  never 
at  a  loss  for  words,  may  be  surprised  that  when  invited 
to  relate  her  experience  to  an  interesting  Bible-class  of 
young  ladies  she  is  constrained  to  note : 

It  seemed  to  me  I  was  stammering  out  I  knew  not  what,  and  I 
felt  such  perturbation  of  spirit  as  nearly  overcame  me.  However, 
I  endeavored  to  trust  in  the  Lord,  and  went  on.  Anna  afterward 
told  me  they  were  weeping  all  around  the  room  while  I  was  urging 
upon  them  the  importance  of  devoting  themselves  unreservedly  to 
God.  Many  of  them  are  lovely,  intelligent  young  ladies.  Oh, 
how  fervently  my  soul  did  send  up  its  petitions  that  they  might 
all  become  burning  and  shining  lights! 

Space  fails  to  describe  interviews  with  "  Good  Mother 
Stebbins ;  a  diamond  ;  unpolished,  'tis  true,  but,  neverthe- 
less, a  -diamond  of  the  first  water,"  and  other  excellent 
people.  After  nearly  a  month  in  this  fascinating  society 
Mrs.  James  notes : 

June  18. — This  day  I  turned  my  face  homeward,  and  dear  as  are 
the  friends  here,  and  precious  as  are  the  privileges  in  New  York, 


114  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

the  thought  of  reaching  my  own  sweet  home  seems  very  delightful. 
I  feel  the  strong  cords  of  conjugal  and  maternal  affection  drawing 
me  powerfully  toward  those  beloved  ones  whom  I  have  left  at 
home,  and  I  hasten  to  meet  them  again  with  a  joyous  heart. 

The  inspiration  and  spiritual  profit  of  this  visit  were 
very  great,  but  the  thoughtful  reader  will  not  wonder 
that  the  invalid  was  not  benefited  in  health.  Upon  her 
return  the  reaction  came,  in  the  form  of  mental  conflicts. 

On  an  occasion  of  peculiar  trial,  having  yielded,  though  but 
for  a  moment,  to  fretfulness  and  impatience,  the  temptation  was 
presented:  "Now  you  profess  to  be  wholly  given  up  to  God,  and  to 
have  obtained  entire  deliverance  from  the  corruptions  of  your  nat- 
ure. But  you  are  deceived.  Depravity  still  exists  and  will  always 
exist  as  long  as  you  live  in  the  flesh.  There  are  none  entirely 
exempt  from  these  occasional  derelictions  and  risings  of  evil  pro- 
pensities." 

A  conversation  with  a  professing  Christian  whose 
views  differed  from  hers  added  to  the  perplexity  of  the 
overtaxed  mind.  She  afterward  found  the  cause  of  her 
spiritual  weakness  in  "  not  having  taken  as  much  time 
for  devotion  "  as  she  ought,  "  having  performed  the  duty 
hurriedly."     She  adds : 

Then  I  saw  that  I  had  stepped  aside,  not  because  grace  was 
insufficient  to  keep  me,  but  because  I  had  neglected  to  ask  for 
that  grace  as  I  should  have  done.  The  grace  of  yesterday  will  not 
answer  for  to-day.  I  must  have  fresh  supplies,  daily,  hourly, 
momentarily.  It  is  only  by  constantly  looking  to  Jesus  that  I  can 
resist  the  devil  or  keep  myself  unspotted  from  the  world.  Entire 
sanctification  is  retained  only  by  the  moment.  There  must  be  a 
continual  application  of  the  all-cleansing  blood,  and  this  cannot  be 
without  unceasing  prayer. 

So,  with  all  the  joy  coming  from  contact  with  the  ex- 
cellent of  the  earth,  this  follower  of  Jesus  found  the  most 


THREE  SUMMER    VISITS.  115 

precious  lesson  that  of  constant,  absolute  dependence  upon 
the  grace  which  alone  can  keep  the  soul.  "  The  victory 
that  overcometh  the  world  "  is  not  Christian  communion, 
not  ecstatic  emotion,  but  "  our  faith,"  the  trust  that 
unites  the  helpless  soul  with  Omnipotence. 

The  experiences  of  these  three  summer  visits  were  en- 
tirely different,  yet  they  all  exhibit  the  intensity  of  the 
piety  of  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  her  faithfulness  in 
using  all  opportunities  of  gaining  the  help  which  comes 
from  intimate  association  with  those  living  near  to  God, 
and  at  the  same  time  her  habit  of  unceasing  activity  in 
the  work  of  her  blessed  Master. 


CHAPTEE  V. 

PRESSED    BY    DOMESTIC    CARES. 

In  July,  1843,  the  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  James  was 
made  glad  by  the  birth  of  a  little  daughter.  Her  own 
words  express  the  young  mother's  feelings  at  this  time. 

New  responsibilities  and  added  cares  now  came  with  the  advent 
of  another  child,  a  lovely  little  girl.  It  was  a  welcome  gift,  for 
with  it  the  assurance  was  given,  "I  will  strengthen  thee,  I  will 
help  thee  to  train  the  immortal  spirit  for  usefulness  on  earth  and 
for  My  kingdom  above,"  and  she  could  rest  upon  His  word  with- 
out the  shadow  of  a  doubt.  Had  she  not  all  the  way  along  proved 
the  divine  words  verified:  "As  thy  days,  so  shall  thy  strength 
be"?  What  had  she  to  fear?  Strong  in  faith,  giving  glory  to 
God,  her  sick-room  seemed  a  heavenly  place  as  day  and  night  she 
communed  with  Jesus,  whose  presence  was  a  constant  reality. 

Her  first  thought  at  the  reception  of  the  new  treasure  was,  "How 
great  is  Thy  goodness,  O  Thou  gracious  Giver  of  every  good  gift, 
in  bestowing  upon  me  another  precious  soul  to  train  for  Thee,  an- 
other priceless  jewel  to  fit  for  Thy  service  on  earth  and  for  Thy  tem- 
ple in  heaven.  And  now  I  consecrate  my  child  to  Thee  as  I  did 
her  brother;  to  be  Thine  wholly,  Thine  forever."  The  assurance 
that  the  offering  wTas  accepted  and  that  her  children  were  both  the 
Lord's  gave  her  sweet  peace  and  rest  of  spirit. 

Five  days  had  passed,  with  the  prospect  of  speedy  recovery  to 
usual  health,  when  a  sudden  reverse  rendered  her  case  extremely 
critical.  In  a  few  hours  she  was  brought  so  low  that  her  physician 
said  she  could  not  live  through  the  day.  Fully  aware  of  her  con- 
dition, she  expected  soon  to  part  with  her  loved  ones,  and,  looking 
at  her  helpless  babe  and  little  son,  with  a  mother's  yearning  fond- 
ness, she  said,  with  a  smile:  "I  can  give  them  up.  I  can  resign 
them  into  God's  hands,  for  I  know  He  will  take  care  of  them.  They 
belong  to  Him,  and  they  are  safe  in  His  hands." 


PRESSED  BY  DOMESTIC  CARES.  117 

It  was  at  this  time  that  the  prayers  of  the  Kev.  J.  K. 
Shaw  and  his  people  were  answered  in  the  restoration  of 
Mrs.  James,  as  mentioned  -at  her  funeral  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Stokes. 

"While  the  sufferer  herself  was  so  filled  with  peace  and 
joy  at  the  thought  of  exchanging  earth  for  heaven,  it 
may  well  be  supposed  that  her  friends  were  bearing  a 
heavy  burden  of  anxiety  and  sorrow.  So  critical  was 
her  condition  that  the  faithful  physician  scarcely  left  her 
side  for  twenty- four  hours.  Mrs.  Yard  was  brought  from 
Trenton  by  a  special  conveyance,  but,  upon  her  arrival, 
was  not  permitted  to  see  her  daughter,  lest  an  interview 
might  snap  the  brittle  thread  upon  which  hung  so  many 
interests.  In  after  years  Mrs.  James  often  quoted  a  re- 
mark of  the  physician  that,  if  her  mind  had  been  troubled 
with  one  anxious  thought,  or  disturbed  by  one  fear,  it 
would  probably  have  turned  the  scale  and  ended  the  life 
which  so  trembled  in  the  balance.  But  so  absolute  was 
her  rest  in  Jesus,  so  completely  was  her  soul  kept  by  di- 
vine power,  that  she  was  saved  from  even  the  shadow  of 
anxiety.  So  in  this,  as  in  several  other  instances  of  seri- 
ous illness,  this  feeble  little  body  owed  its  continued  exist- 
ence directly  to  the  all-sustaining  power  that  so  wonder- 
fully upheld  the  spirit. 

Her  convalescence  was  slow.  A  letter  written  almost 
as  soon  as  the  hand  could  wield  a  pen,  Aug.  29,  1843, 
gives  a  glimpse  of  the  inner  life  of  this  one,  now  bearing 
such  suffering  as  only  a  mother  can  know.  So  intense 
had  been  her  agony  that  convulsions  were  feared.  She 
writes  : 

Now  it  is  over,  and  how  thankful  I  am,  words  cannot  express. 
But  it  is  all  right,  dear  mother.  My  Heavenly  Father  saw  it  need- 
ful that  I  should  pass  through  just  such  an  ordeal  to  teach  me  les- 


118  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

sons  of  patience  and  fortitude  which  I  had  never  learned.  I  had 
never  endured  such  extreme  anguish  of  body  for  such  a  length  of 
time.  After  having  brought  me  to  the  gates  of  death  and  proved 
my  willingness  to  pass  through  the  dark  valley  to  the  invisible 
world,  the  God  of  Infinite  Wisdom  saw  it  best  to  bring  me  back  to 
be  tried  in  the  furnace  of  affliction  that  I  might  be  made  more  pure 
and  meet  for  His  own  gracious  purposes.  I  think  I  have  found 
that  it  requires  more  grace  to  endure  agonizing  pains  and  intense 
sufferings  than  to  bid  adieu  to  earth,  with  all  its  tender  endear- 
ments and  strong  ties,  having  the  prospect  of  a  brighter  and  better 
world  as  our  future  home.  After  having  been  brought  within  view 
of  the  heavenly  port,  when  driven  back  again  to  sea,  to  contend 
with  the  furious  tempests  and  encounter  the  fierce  blasts  of  earthly 
sorrow,  I  had  need  to  get  into  possession  of  a  larger  measure  of  di- 
vine influence  than  I  had  ever  experienced.  But,  blessed  be  the 
God  in  whom  I  trust,  I  found  Him  faithful  to  His  promise,  "As  thy 
days  so  shall  thy  strength  be."  I  had  so  dreaded  the  very  thing  I 
was  now  called  to  endure.  My  feeble  nature,  already  prostrated 
by  sickness,  shrank  from  the  impending  blow,  and  with  the  apostle 
I  "besought  the  Lord"  that  He  would  withhold  it.  But  He  said 
to  me,  "My  grace  is  sufficient  for  thee;  My  strength  is  made  per- 
fect in  weakness."  I  replied,  "It  is  enough!"  "Be  it  unto  me 
even  as  Thou  wilt !  "  I  felt  perfectly  willing  to  bear  even  so  severe 
an  affliction  as  I  knew  it  would  be,  because  I  was  fully  assured  my 
gracious  Father  would  not  permit  it  if  He  had  not  some  good  pur- 
j>ose,  some  wise  design,  to  accomplish  by  it.  That  He  would  be 
with  me  to  sustain  and  comfort  me  I  had  His  own  blessed  promise, 
in  which  my  soul  fully  confided.  And  O  could  I  tell  you,  dear 
mother,  how  the  consolations  of  God  have  abounded  to  me;  how 
my  adorable  Redeemer  has  borne  me  as  it  were  in  His  arms  and 
soothed  and  comforted  me  when  all  human  aid  was  vain,  how 
He  mingled  in  my  cup  of  bitterness  so  much  mercy  that  it  seemed 
"a  palatable  draught,"  I  am  sure  you  would  magnify  with  me  the 
riches  of  His  goodness,  and  praise  Him  for  permitting  me  thus  to 
prove  the  power  of  His  grace. 

For  several  years  after  the  birth  of  her  "  Mary  Pris- 
cilla "  the  energies  of  Mrs.  James  were  taxed  to  their 


PRESSED  BY  DOMESTIC  CARES.  119 

utmost  by  the  demands  of  her  little  home.  There  is  a 
notable  falling  off  in  the  frequency  and  length  of  her 
letters,  even  to  the  ever-beloved  mother.  It  was,  how- 
ever, the  privilege  of  mother  and  daughter  to  be  to- 
gether more  frequently  during  a  part  of  this  time. 
The  thoughts  of  Mrs.  James  in  regard  to  the  duty  of  a 
mother  in  such  circumstances  are  thus  expressed  : 

No  home  duty,  necessarily  devolving  upon  her,  was  neglected, 
for  she  felt  that  some  of  those  duties  could  not  be  transferred  to 
others,  however  willing  and  faithful  they  might  be.  Only  the 
mother  could  understand  and  supply  many  of  the  wants  of  the  fam- 
ily. During  the  period  of  infancy  no  one  could  fill  the  mother's 
place.  No  outside  labors  were  required  of  her,  if  a  tender  babe 
needed  her  care.  While  her  children  were  infants,  her  duty  was 
plain  to  be  with  them ;  and  in  devoting  herself  to  them,  she  felt 
she  was  doing  God's  will,  and  enjoyed  as  sweet  communion  with 
Jesus  while  beside  the  cradle,  as  she  ever  had  in  the  sanctuary. 
But  when  the  little  one  would  be  old  enough  to  be  safely  left 
with  others  for  a  short  time,  then  she  would  run  on  some  errand  of 
duty,  or,  seizing  her  pen,  would  write  her  thoughts. 

Her  sense  of  the  value  of  time  caused  her  to  be  very  diligent  in 
improving  the  moments.  By  carefully  using  little  fragments  of 
time,  how  much  may  be  gained  !  And  while  some,  who  speak  cen- 
soriously of  those  who  spend  much  time  in  working  for  Christ, 
can  spend  hours  every  day  in  things  of  no  importance,  the  faithful 
Christian  is  helping  souls  to  heaven,  binding  up  broken  hearts, 
watering  drooping  plants  in  the  Lord's  garden,  leading  inquirers 
into  the  good  way,  or  doing  something  that  the  Spirit  prompts,  to 
advance  Christ's  kingdom. 

The  lover  of  holiness  will  be  interested  in  an  extract 
from  one  of  the  few  letters  written  during  the  period  now 
under  review.  It  is  addressed  to  the  Rev.  S.  Townsend, 
and  bears  date,  Nov.  28,  1S44. 

I  fear  you  have  thought  me  either  very  negligent  or  growing  cold 
and  languid  in  reference  to  the  blessed  theme  of  holiness.     But  I 


120  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

assure  you,  dear  brother,  my  interest  has  in  nowise  abated,  nor  has 
my  faith  declined,  or  love  grown  cold.  You  will  please,  therefore, 
attribute  my  long  silence  to  multiplied  and  pressing  domestic  du- 
ties and  to  personal  indisposition,  as  well  as  family  sickness.  I 
have  never  known  a  period  in  which  the  cares  of  the  world  have 
pressed  so  heavily  upon  me  and  secular  concerns  engrossed  so  much 
of  my  time,  as  during  the  last  six  months.  Yet  to  the  praise  of 
divine  grace  I  can  say,  that  "the  peace  of  God  which  passeth  un- 
derstanding "  has  kept  my  "  heart  and  mind  through  Christ  Jesus." 
While  my  hands  have  been  employed  in  things  below,  my  heart  has 
been  in  heaven. 

The  letter  contains  extended  quotations  from  an  epis- 
tle then  recently  received  from  Mrs.  Palmer,  which  had 
given  Mrs.  James  "  a  thrill  of  holy  joy  "  that  she  longed 
to  share  with  her  friend.  This  was  caused  by  Mrs.  Palm- 
er's statements  in  regard  to  the  position  of  two  newly 
elected  superintendents  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  Bishops  Hamline  and  Janes  had  taken  a  strong 
stand  in  regard  to  the  doctrine  and  experience  of  entire 
sanctification.  The  conferences  held  under  the  presi- 
dency of  these  eminently  spiritual  men  had  proved  to 
be  pentecostal  seasons,  and  Mrs.  Palmer  and  Mrs.  James 
regarded  these  and  other  occurrences  of  the  time  as  in- 
dications of  a  deepening  and  widening  interest  in  the 
theme  ever  so  dear  to  their  hearts — the  higher  experiences 
of  grace.  The  letter  anticipates  the  then  approaching 
session  of  the  New  Jersey  Annual  Conference  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  which  was  to  be  held  in 
Mount  Holly,  and  expresses  ardent  hope  that  it  would  be 
a  time  of  special  blessing.  Such  it  proved  to  the  people 
of  Mount  Holly  as  well  as  to  the  attending  clergymen. 

The  subject  of  this  memoir  was  all  her  life  accustomed 
to  take  special  note  of  the  New  Year,  making  it  a  time  for 
recalling  the  divine  goodness  to  her  and  those  dear  to  her, 


PRESSED  BY  DOMESTIC  CARES.  121 

and  of  renewed  devotement  to  the  service  of  her  blessed 
Master.  Her  New  Years'  letters  to  her  mother  and 
other  intimate  correspondents  are  rich  in  expressions  of 
deep  experiences  in  the  divine  life.  Under  date  of  Jan- 
uary 2,  1845,  she  writes  to  Miss  Kogers  : 

In  retrospecting  the  last  twenty-four  years  of  my  life,  I  reflected 
with  unspeakable  joy  that  the  first  day  of  each  year  had  witnessed 
a  renewing  of  the  consecration  which  I  first  made  in  the  year  1821. 
Never  did  I,  with  more  delight,  hasten  to  the  place  of  prayer  to  give 
myself  renewedly  to  God  than  on  the  New  Year's  Day,  1845.  Never 
did  I  more  sweetly  realize  that  my  offering  was  accepted  through 
the  merits  of  my  adorable  Redeemer,  and  that  the  seal  proclaiming 
me  a  child  of  God  and  an  heir  of  Heaven  was  set  to  the  vow  of  con- 
secration, and  the  earnest  given' of  my  glorious  inheritance  on  high. 
O  Anna,  dear  Anna,  what  are  earthly  possessions  and  earthly  com- 
forts in  comparison  with  the  inestimable  treasures  of  divine  love, 
the  ineffable  bliss  of  communion  with  heaven  ?  From  my  inmost 
soul  I  can  say, 

"  Give  what  Thou  wilt,  without  Thee  I  am  poor, 
But  with  Thee  rich,  take  what  Thou  wilt  away." 

When  I  read  of  the  sainted  Fletcher  and  Brain  well,  and  other  em- 
inently holy  ones,  I  seem  to  have  experienced  nothing,  compara- 
tively, of  that  elevated  enjoyment,  and  with  deepest  prostration  of 
soul  I  am  led  to  exclaim,  "Can  it  be  that  I  am,  indeed,  a  child  of 
God  ? "     The  language  of  my  heart  is  : 

"  To  Thee  my  spirit  flies 
With  infinite  desire  ; 
And  yet,  how  far  from  Thee  I  lie  ! 
0  Jesus,  raise  me  higher." 

Some  months  later,  but  while  yet  in  circumstances 
of  peculiar  difficulty,  the  pen  was  inspired  to  write  the 
following  poem,  which  was  inclosed  in  a  letter  to  the 
same  friend  : 


122  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

Look  Up  !  Pilgrim. 

Grief- worn  pilgrim,  'mid  thy  sorrows, 
Lift  to  heaven  thy  tearful  eye  ! 

Upward,  upward,  turn  thy  vision, 
See  thy  glorious  home  on  high  ! 

Look  up  !  pilgrim, 
Thy  redemption  draweth  nigh. 

Never  look  below  thee,  pilgrim, 
Fix  thine  eye  on  earth  no  more, 

Else  its  dark  array  of  sorrows 
Will  thy  fainting  soul  o'erpower. 

Look  up  !  pilgrim, 
Soon  thy  troubles  will  be  o'er. 

While  upon  life's  billowy  ocean, 
On  His  mighty  arm  rely 

Who  upheld  the  sinking  Peter 
When  he  raised  his  weeping  eye. 

Look  up  !  pilgrim, 
Lo  !  thy  Heavenly  Friend  is  nigh  ! 

Canst  thou  fear  while  Jesus  loves  thee, 
While  His  arms  are  thy  defense? 

Though  an  host  encamp  against  thee, 
They  can  never  pluck  thee  thence. 

Look  up  !  pilgrim, 
Trust  thou  in  Omnipotence  ! 

Though  dark  clouds  around  thee  lower, 
Though  the  tempest  loudly  roar, 

Shielded  by  Almighty  power 

Thou  wilt  gain  the  heavenly  shore. 

Look  up  !  pilgrim, 
Soon  thy  journey  will  be  o'er. 

See  the  bright,  celestial  convoy, 
Sent  to  bear  thee  to  thy  home, 

Watching  o'er  thee,  till  thy  spirit 
Quit  this  dark  and  cheerless  dome. 

Look  up  !  pilgrim, 
Soon  the  auspicious  hour  will  come. 


PRESSED  BY  DOMESTIC  CARES.  123 

In  the  world  of  cloudless  glory, 
Wait  for  thee  the  ransomed  throng  ; 

With  what  rapture  will  they  greet  thee  ; 
How  they  for  thy  coming  long. 

Look  up  !  pilgrim, 
Soon  thou'lt  join  the  blissful  song  ! 

To  housekeepers  who  have  traced  this  history,  ques- 
tions may  have  come  in  regard  to  Mrs.  James's  domestic 
arrangements  in  the  matter  of  "  help."  All  through  the 
years  that  she  was  at  the  head  of  her  own  house  she  was 
compelled  to  rely  upon  others  for  the  most  of  her  labor. 
She  passed  through  the  trials  common  to  those  who  em- 
ploy domestics,  but  found  that  her  Heavenly  Father,  in 
His  providence,  sent  to  her  the  kind  of  women  she 
needed.  Again  and  again,  when  in  great  straits  in  re- 
gard to  this  matter,  she  made  it  a  subject  of  prayer,  and 
helpers  were  sent  to  her  in  ways  she  could  not  have  fore- 
seen. Among  those  she  employed  from  time  to  time, 
several  were  sisters  in  Christ,  whose  stay  in  her  home 
was  a  source  of  profit  in  every  way.  Others  were  led  to 
Christ  while  under  her  roof.  Her  uniform  treatment  of 
those  employed  was  such  as  to  win  their  respect  and  gen- 
erally secured  from  them  faithful  service.  Several  went 
out  from  her  domicile  to  become  wives  and  mothers,  and 
to  fill  good  positions  in  society.  Those  who  still  live 
cherish  her  memory  with  feelings  of  most  sincere  regard. 
In  this  way  the  Lord's  care  over  His  child  was  specially 
exhibited.  He  used  the  relations  in  which  He  thus 
placed  her  for  the  good  of  the  mistress  and  of  those  who 
served  her. 

An  account  of  what  Mrs.  James  calls  "a  wonderful 
deliverance,"  quoted  from  her  journal  in  Fifty  Yeavtf 
Walk  with  Jesus,  shows  how  this  simple-hearted  believer 


124  THE  LIFE  OF  MBS.   JAMES. 

was  accustomed  to  go  to  her  Divine  Friend  with  all  her 
cares  and  burdens,  and  how  she  found  strength  and  help 
in  so  doing. 

One  day,  riot  long  since,  I  found  myself  unable  to  rise  from  my 
bed  in  the  morning,  being  really  sick.  It  was  Saturday  morning, 
and  there  was  an  unusual  amount  of  work  to  be  done,  as  company 
was  expected  to  stay  over  Sabbath.  I  asked  my  Heavenly  Father 
to  give  me  strength  to  get  up  and  to  do  what  necessarily  devolved 
upon  me.  Then,  attempting  to  rise,  I  found  I  had  the  strength  I 
asked  for  at  that  moment,  but  knew  not  what  was  before  me  and 
how  much  more  strength  than  usual  I  should  really  need.  On  go- 
ing down-stairs  and  seating  myself  at  the  breakfast-table,  I  found 
that  the  woman  who  did  the  kitchen  work  was  very  sick  and,  after 
having  prepared  the  breakfast,  was  unable  to  do  any  more.  I 
thought,  "What  shall  I  do  ?  Here  is  all  the  Saturday's  work  to  be 
done,  my  babe  to  be  taken  care  of,  extra  preparation  for  visitors, 
the  sick  woman  to  be  waited  upon,  and  1  so  feeble,  scarcely  able  to 
sit  up.     How  can  I  ever  get  through  this  day  ? " 

The  blessed  Holy  Spirit,  ever  faithful  to  His  mission,  quickly 
brought  to  my  remembrance  an  antidote  for  my  troubles  and  my 
fears.  "  Strengthened  with  all  might,  according  to  His  glorious 
power,  unto  all  patience  and  long-suffering  with  joyfulness." 

Immediately  I  felt  such  vigor  imparted  as  astonished  me.  I  went 
to  my  work  "with  joyfulness."  Every  burden  seemed  light,  hard 
things  were  made  easy,  and  a  happier  morning  I  never  spent.  I 
would  run  up-stairs  to  attend  to  the  sick  woman,  then  down-stairs 
to  attend  to  the  cooking;  now  to  my  crying  baby,  then  to  wait  on 
the  door;  only  my  own  hands  to  do  everything,  yet  singing  as  I 
went  around  the  house,  with  a  heart  full  of  praise  for  His  wonder- 
ful goodness  Who  "  giveth  power  to  the  faint,  and  to  them  that 
have  no  might  increaseth  strength."  Thus  the  morning  passed, 
with  its  multifarious  work,  baking,  cooking,  dinner,  nursing,  and 
all  the  rest. 

Another  promise  was  verified :  "God  is  faithful,  Who  will  not  suf- 
fer you  to  be  tempted  [tried]  above  that  ye  are  able, "  etc.  While 
seated  at  the  dinner-table,  the  first  feeling  of  weariness  came  over 
me;  I  began  then  to  realize  that  I  was  tired.     I  thought:  "There 


PRESSED  BY  DOMESTIC  CARES.  125 

is  much  more  to  do  this  afternoon,  and  if  the  Lord  would  send  me 
some  one  to  do  it,  how  thankful  I  should  be.  But  if  He  should  not 
send  me  help,  He  will  surely  give  me  more  strength,  for  I  am  really 
very  tired."  As  these  thoughts  were  passing  through  my  mind,  a 
colored  woman,  who  had  occasionally  washed  for  me,  stood  at  the 
door.  Struck  with  the  thought  that,  before  I  had  called,  God  had 
answered,  I  exclaimed :  "Why,  Mary!  the  Lord  sent  you  here  !" 
She  replied,  laughing:  "  Well,  I  guess  He  did,  for  I  was  very  busy 
doing  my  own  work,  and  all  at  once  something  seemed  to  say  to 
me,  '  Go  to  Mrs.  James;  she  wants  you,'  and  so  I  started  right  off 
and  left  my  own  work."  "Well,  Mary,"  I  said,  "the  Lord  is 
wonderfully  good  to  me.  He  gave  me  strength  to  do  what  was 
necessary  to  be  done  this  morning,  and  now  he  has  sent  you  to 
finish  up  and  let  me  rest  this  afternoon.     O  how  thankful  I  feel !  " 

Some  time  after  the  above  record  there  was  another, 
showing  a  gracious  interposition  in  the  case  of  a  poor 
afflicted  one. 

I  have  a  young  girl  living  in  my  family  who  is  afflicted  with  heart 
disease,  which  makes  her  at  times  extremely  nervous.  Whenever 
she  has  more  work  to  do  than  usual,  she  feels  discouraged,  and 
imagines  she  is  unable  to  do  it.  Knowing  that  I  will  help  her,  she 
depends  much  upon  me,  and  often  when  visitors  come  she  will  give 
up  and  go  to  her  bed,  saying  she  is  sick.  Then  I  have  all  to  do 
myself. 

The  other  day  a  carriage  came  to  the  door,  filled  with  friends 
coming  to  dine  with  us.  Lizzie  had  been  well  and  cheerful  all  the 
morning,  but  just  as  soon  as  she  saw  the  carriage  at  the  door  she 
began  to  feel  faint  and  sick,  and  left  me  to  prepare  dinner.  I 
was  not  well,  but  receiving  help  from  God,  was  enabled  to  accom- 
plish it  with  much  greater  ease  than  I  had  anticipated.  After  the 
visitors  had  gone  I  said  to  the  sick  girl:  "Lizzie,  do  you  think 
you  are  a  child  of  God  ?  "  "  Yes,"  she  replied,  "I  am  sure  I  am." 
"  Well,  then,  you  ought  to  claim  the  privileges  of  a  child  of  God. 
He  has  promised  to  His  children  that  as  their  days  so  shall  their 
strength  be.  Now,  when  you  have  any  extra  work  to  do,  or  any 
trials  to  bear,  you  ought  to  look  right  up  to  your  Heavenly  Father 
and  ask  Him  to  give  you  strength  for  what  you  have  to  do  or  bear, 


126  TIIE  LIFE  OF  MRS  JAMES. 

and  ask,  believing  He  will  do  it,  becaused  He  has  promised  and 
because  He  loves  you  as  His  child.  If  you  will  do  so  He  will  answer 
your  prayer  and  give  just  what  you  need  in  every  time  of  trial. 
Now,  you  see  all  the  burden  comes  upon  me  when  you  fail,  and  I 
have  no  more  bodily  strength  than  you  have,  but  I  look  up  to  God 
instead  of  looking  at  my  poor,  weak  self,  and  I  trust  in  Him  and  He 
always  helps  me." 

The  poor  invalid  opened  her  eyes  wide  as  if  greatly  wondering, 
and  said  :  ' '  Why,  is  that  the  reason  you  get  through  so  well  ? 
I've  often  wondered  how  you  could  do  so  much  and  seem  so  cheer- 
ful when  you  seemed  in  such  poor  health."  "Yes,  Lizzie,  that  is 
the  whole  reason.  If  I  could  not  fully  trust  in  God,  and  receive 
strength  from  Him,  I  should  often  faint  beneath  the  heavy  burdens 
of  life.  Now,  you  can  have  the  same  help  that  I  have.  Just  give 
yourself  entirely  to  God,  and  trust  in  Him  with  your  whole  heart, 
from  this  time."  Lizzie  said,  "I  will."  The  next  time  she  met 
the  same  kind  of  trial  she  found  the  Lord  true  to  His  word.  She 
trusted  in  Him  and  was  conqueror.  After  the  trial  was  over  she 
said  to  me  :  "Did  you  see  how  I  was  helped  to-day  ?  "  I  replied, 
"Yes,  Lizzie,  and  you  might  have  had  the  same  help  all  the  way 
along  ;  your  heavy  burdens  might  all  have  been  made  light,  and 
the  rough  places  of  your  life  journey  made  smooth,  if  you  had  only 
claimed  your  privilege  as  a  child  of  God." 

From  that  time  Lizzie's  experience  was  much  deeper  and  her 
enjoyment  much  greater,  and  years  were  doubtless  added  to  her 
life  by  learning  the  "more  excellent  way." 

In  the  summer  of  1845  Mrs.  James  was  granted  a 
brief  respite  from  her  domestic  cares  and  burdens.  In 
company  with  her  little  son  she  visited  Eew  York,  and 
had  not  only  the  privilege  of  communing  once  more 
with  those  so  dear  to  her  in  the  great  city,  but  of  at- 
tending the  camp-meeting  at  Sing  Sing,  on  the  Hudson. 
There  soul  and  body  were  greatly  refreshed.  Before  re- 
turning, the  tourists  spent  a  little  time  with  friends  on 
Staten  Island.  Her  experiences  during  and  after  this 
visit  she  thus  describes  in  a  letter  to  her  mother : 


PRESSED  BT  DOMESTIC  CARES.  127 

My  spirit  was  refreshed  and  my  soul  quickened  to  pursue  the 
way  of  holiness  with  increased  ardor.  My  enjoyments  in  the  ex- 
alted means  of  grace  with  which  I  was  favored  surpassed  my 
highest  expectatioDS,  and  I  came  home  so  strengthened  that,  like 
David,  I  felt  that  I  could  "run  through  a  troop  and  leap  over  a 
wall."  Soon  was  that  strength  put  to  the  test.  A  troop  of  diffi- 
culties I  had  to  encounter  and  a  wall  of  opposition  to  surmount, 
and,  blessed  be  the  Lord,  I  found  His  grace  sufficient  for  me. 

It  may  help  some  burdened  heart  to  know  that  one  of 
the  ways  in  which  this  soul  was  prepared  for  trial  was 
by  having  her  special  attention  called  to  the  twelfth 
chapter  of  the  book  of  Isaiah  and  to  two  hymns,  one 
number  733,  in  the  Methodist  Hymnal,  beginning :  "  O 
thou  God  of  my  salvation."  The  other,  number  745, 
the  first  line  of  which  is  :  "  To  the  hills  I  lift  my  eyes." 
Both  these  hymns  were  always  favorites  of  Mrs.  James, 
and  she  sang  them  with  an  unction  hard  to  describe. 

In  January,  1S46,  her  cares  and  joys  received  new 
accessions  with  the  coming  of  a  second  daughter.  Yet 
she  could  write : 

I  am  very  happy,  dear  mother;  I  never  was  so  free  from  care  and 
anxiety  in  my  life,  because  I  have  learned  the  blessed  art  of  casting 
all  my  care  upon  Him  who  gives  me  every  hour  the  fullest,  sweetest 
assurance  that  He  careth  for  me,  and  that  all  things  relating  to  me 
are  under  His  special  control  and  are  working  for  my  good.  This 
I  believe  without  the  shadow  of  a  doubt. 

In  October,  184S,  another  son  was  given  to  this  mother. 
Charles  Melville,  named  for  his  uncle,  Mr.  Charles  C. 
Yard,  and  the  Rev.  Melville  B.  Cox,  a  missionary  to 
Africa,  was  a  beautiful  boy.  It  was  expected  that  he 
would  represent  the  family  in  some  mission  field.  He 
remained  on  earth  for  scarcely  five  years,  yet  he  gathered 


128  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS   JAMES. 

the  hearts  of  the  little  family  and  when  he  left  all  were 
drawn  nearer  to  heaven.     Was  he  not  a  missionary  ? 

With  a  husband  and  four  children,  generally  having  in 
her  family  one  or  two  men  hired  in  her  husband's  store, 
and  almost  always  a  domestic,  with  no  surplus  of  this 
world's  goods  and  the  life-burden  of  poor  health,  does 
any  one  think  that  the  religion  of  the  subject  of  this  biog- 
raphy was  a  matter  of  favoring  circumstances  ?  In  her 
case,  the  grace  bestowed  was  often  severely  tested,  but 
proved  all-sufficient.  Cares,  trials,  whatever  came,  only 
brought  new  honor  to  Him  whose  power  kept  her  and 
caused  her  always  to  triumph  in  Him. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

MANIFOLD   ACTIVITIES. 

An  apostle  alludes  to  those  "  women  who  labored  in 
the  Gospel "  with  him  and  his  brethren.  The  opportu- 
nities for  Christian  effort  on  the  part  of  women  are  now 
constantly  multiplying.  In  most  of  the  fields  now  so 
diligently  cultivated  by  ladies,  she  whose  work  we  are 
examining  was  a  sort  of  pioneer.  Let  us  observe  her  in 
some  of  her  varied  labors  while  yet  a  young  wife  and 
mother. 

She  had  not  been  in  Mount  Holly  quite  two  years 
when  she  wrote : 

Last  week  I  was  appointed  superintendent  of  the  female  depart- 
ment in  the  Sabbath-school.  I  felt  some  hesitancy  at  first  in  accept- 
ing, but  consented  from  a  sense  of  duty.  I  thought  I  might  do 
some  good,  and  as  long  as  I  am  blessed  with  health  and  time  and 
opportunity  I  will  endeavor  to  work  for  the  Lord. 

A  few  days  later  she  reports : 

I  have  entered  upon  the  duties  of  my  office  as  superintendent, 
and  feel  much  interested  in  the  school,  finding  a  large  field  of  use- 
fulness before  me.  I  long  to  bring  precious  souls  to  Christ,  and 
earnestly  pray  that  I  may  be  instrumental  in  the  salvation  of  these 
dear  young  immortals.  In  every  effort  to  do  good  my  own  soul  is 
blessed.  I  have  been  looking  for  lost  sheep  in  the  highways  and 
hedges.  Found  many  little  ones  wandering  about  without  a  spirit- 
ual shepherd.  They  will  soon  be  gathered  in  the  fold  of  our  Sab- 
bath-school. O  may  it  be  the  passage  for  them  into  the  kingdom 
of  grace  which  will  in  glory  end.  Tell  my  dear  Brother  C.  I  now 
6* 


130  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

feel  at  home  more  than  ever  since  I  left  Trenton.     Engaged  in  the 
same  blessed  work  I  feel  that  I  am  "in  my  element." 

The  early  part  of  the  year  1838  seems  to  have  wit- 
nessed revivals  in  many  parts  of  New  Jersey.  This 
happy  Christian  writes,  in  her  usual  glowing  style,  of 
tokens  for  good  and  some  conversions  in  Mount  Holly, 
and  expresses  her  interest  for  the  salvation  of  her  kin- 
dred in  Trenton,  where  the  Spirit  was  poured  out  in 
great  measure. 

During  the  progress  of  the  series  of  special  meetings  in 
Mount  Holly,  one  evening  the  attention  of  Mrs.  James 
was  attracted  to  a  gayly  dressed  young  lady,  who  seemed 
deeply  interested  in  the  exercises.  Afterward  the  Chris- 
tian worker  wrote : 

I  felt  deeply  solicitous  for  her  salvation,  though  at  the  time  I 
knew  not  who  she  was.  I  felt  that  I  must  address  her  upon  the 
subject  of  her  eternal  interests.  Although  her  gay  dress  and 
haughty  manner  seemed  to  forbid  me,  I  ventured,  in  the  strength 
of  that  all-sufficient  grace  which  has  enabled  me  to  lift  many  a 
cross  of  ponderous  weight.  I  approached  her;  she  looked  pleas- 
antly at  me,  seemed  disposed  to  listen  respectfully,  and  seemed  to 
feel  a  degree  of  contrition.  My  own  soul  was  melted  while  I  was 
conversing  with  her.  So  intense  was  my  desire  for  her  salvation 
that  I  could  gladly  have  stayed  all  night  and  entreated  her  to  be 
reconciled  to  God.  I  remember  telling  her  of  the  uncertainty  of 
life,  that  she  might  soon  be  called  away,  and  if  she  was  not  prepared 
for  heaven  she  must  be  lost,  eternally  lost.  In  all  the  fervor  of  my 
soul  I  besought  her  to  renounce  the  follies  and  pleasures  of  this 
perishing  world  and  seek  a  better  and  enduring  substance.  She 
afterward  told  her  cousin  that  I  talked  to  her  and  that  she  heard 
with  much  interest.  She  said:  "O  how  sorry  I  was  when  Mrs. 
James  left  me.     I  could  have  sat  all  night  and  listened  to  her." 

This  effort  is  described  in  a  letter  telling  Mrs.  Yard 
of  the  sad  and  sudden  death  of  this  young  lady  some 


MANIFOLD  ACTIVITIES.  131 

months  after  the  conversation  alluded  to.     The  daughter 
adds : 

Dear  mother,  there  is  an  unspeakable  satisfaction  to  me  now  that 
I  made  an  effort  for  the  salvation  of  that  precious  soul.  .  .  .  How 
different  my  feelings  from  what  they  would  have  been  had  I  passed 
her  by  and  not  conversed  with  her. 

The  time  of  this  young  wife  and  mother  was  not 
absorbed  in  religious  work  to  the  neglect  of  home  duties. 
In  another  letter  to  her  mother,  after  playfully  describ- 
ing herself  as  "  mantua-maker,  tailoress,  milliner,  stock- 
maker,  and  cap-maker,"  she  says  : 

During  the  last  week  I  have  made  my  little  son  a  new  suit  of 
merino  clothes,  a  frock  coat  and  pants ;  also  a  cap  [this  from  a 
partly  worn  silk-velvet  bonnet  of  her  own].  I  have  made  as  hand- 
some a  little  cap  out  of  it  as  I  could  have  purchased,  and  it  will  last 
him  as  long  as  it  will  be  suitable  for  him  to  wear  it.  Yesterday  the 
little  fellow  was  dressed  up  in  his  new  suit,  and  I  could  not  but  feel 
gratified  in  looking  at  him  to  think  that  every  article  of  clothing 
he  had  on,  except  his  shoes,  was  made  by  my  own  hand — hat,  coat, 
pants,  stockings,  mittens,  and  everything.  I  feel  much  satisfaction, 
dear  mother,  in  saving  all  that  I  can  by  economy  and  industry,  so 
that  I  can  have  the  more  to  contribute  to  religious  and  benevolent 
objects. 

With  still  more  enthusiasm  did  the  fond  mother  devote 
herself  to  the  instruction  of  her  little  charge.  In  a  letter 
written  during  his  fourth  year,  in  regard  to  the  child's 
progress  in  knowledge  of  the  Bible,  she  alludes  to  this  : 

I  often  wish  his  dear  grandmother  could  see  him  standing  by  me, 
looking  up  into  my  face,  and  inquiring  with  eagerness  concerning 
Noah,  Moses,  Joseph,  Jonah,  Stephen,  and  the  Blessed  Redeemer.  I 
have  been  for  some  time  endeavoring  to  store  his  mind  with  Script- 
ure histories,  and  he  listens  with  the  greatest  interest  that  you  can 
imagine.  Every  day  he  wants  to  hear  something  more  about  the 
different  characters  mentioned  in  the  Bible.     He  often  comes  and 


132  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

puts  his  little  arms  around  my  neck,  and  says :  ' '  Dear  mamma,  how  I 
love  you  for  telling  me  about  all  the  good  people  in  the  Bible.  Now 
tell  me  more,  mamma,  tell  me  more  about  Jesus  and  about  heaven." 

After  recounting  some  childish  speeches,  showing  that 
the  little  one  understood  the  application  of  several  of  the 
commandments  to  practical  life,  the  mother  adds : 

It  affords  me  unspeakable  delight  to  see  that  the  instructions 
which  I  give  him  are  taking  hold  on  his  young  heart.  Like  seed 
sown  in  good  ground,  I  trust  they  will  spring  up  and  bear  much 
fruit  to  the  glory  and  praise  of  God. 

Who  can  doubt  the  wisdom  of  that  young  mother  in 
giving  to  Bible  characters  and  divine  truth  the  opportu- 
nity to  make  the  first  and  strongest  impression  upon  the 
mind  and  heart  of  her  little  child,  instead  of  first  filling 
the  youthful  memory  with  "  Mother  Goose  "  and  kindred 
stories  ?  Is  it  strange  that  to  minds  preoccupied  with  the 
latter  class  of  material  Bible  stories  seem  tame,  and  it 
is  hard  to  awaken  interest  in  anything  of  real  value  ? 

Another  occupation  of  the  period  now  in  review  was 
the  preparation  of  the  book  entitled  Mary  ;  or,  The  Young 
Christian.  Mrs.  James'  pastor,  the  Be  v.  George  F.  Brown, 
seems  to  have  first  suggested  to  her  the  thought.  He 
said  to  her  that  the  majority  of  books  prepared  for  chil- 
dren represented  good  little  people  as  dying  young,  and 
he  believed  the  narration  of  the  experiences  of  her  early 
life,  with  the  statement  that  she  still  lived,  a  happy,  use- 
ful woman,  would  help  children  to  see  that,  instead  of 
shortening  life,  devotion  to  God  tends  to  give  added 
years,  as  well  as  to  prepare  the  child  to  become  of  more 
value  in  the  wTorld  and  to  enjoy  heavenly  bliss.  In  the 
confidence  of  her  correspondence,  Mrs.  James  says  of 
this  employment: 


MANIFOLD  ACTIVITIES.  133 

I  am  making  some  progress  in  writing  Little  Mary,  and  earnestly 
hope  and  fervently  pray  that  it  may  be  productive  of  some  good, 
through  the  blessed  influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  without  which  it 
would  be  fruitless  and  profitless.  In  writing  this,  dear  mother,  I 
feel  especially  the  need  of  divine  aid.  Pray  for  me,  that  I  may  be 
graciously  assisted  of  God  in  this  attempt.  If  I  know  my  heart  at 
all,  my  motive  was  to  promote  the  blessed  cause  of  my  Redeemer 
by  showing  forth  the  power  and  the  excellency  of  religion  as  exem- 
plified in  the  early  part  of  my  Christian  career.  In  reviewing  my 
former  experience  my  heart  is  deeply  affected.  O  how  manifestly 
did  the  Lord  lead  me  and  guide  me  through  "  the  slippery  paths  of 
youth !  "  How  mercifully  did  He  preserve  me  through  the  innumer- 
able dangers  and  snares  to  which  I  was  exposed !  How  wonderfully 
He  influenced  my  young  heart  to  turn  away  from  earth!  How 
sweetly  He  drew  me  to  His  own  blessed  arms  and  taught  me  to  seek 
my  all  in  Him !  Dear  mother,  I  am  ready  to  cry  out  in  adoring 
wonder:  "  O  the  riches  of  His  goodness!  "  How  great  is  the  love 
wherewith  He  has  loved  me ! 

The  book  is  entitled  Mary  ;  or,  The  Young  Christian  ; 
an  Authentic  Narrative  by  One  who  was  Intimately  Ac- 
quainted with  Her  from  Her  Infancy.  It  was  "  published 
by  G.  Lane  and  P.  P.  San  ford  for  The  Sunday- School 
Union  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church"  in  1841.  The 
Introduction  to  the  little  volume,  which  was  long  num- 
ber 251  of  the  Sunday-School  and  Youths'  library,  was 
written  by  the  Kev.  J.  J.  Matthias,  then  living  at  West 
Bloomfielcl,  N.  J.  It  is  dated  September  16,  1840,  and 
informs  the  reader  that  he  became  acquainted  with  the 
subject  of  the  narrative  in  Newark,  1ST.  J.,  where  she  had 
come  in  search  of  health.     He  states  that : 

"What  interested  him  was  her  unaffected  and  deep  piety.  He 
found  her  one  of  those  favored  ones  who  had  almost  from  infancy 
dwelt  in  the  smiles  of  a  reconciled  Savior.  She  appeared  to  him  to 
be  an  unexceptionable  example  of  the  power  of  grace  to  cleanse 
from  all  sin.     This,  united  with  a  cultivated  mind  and  an  amiable 


134  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

temper,  rendered  her  a  friend  and  companion  of  more  than  ordi- 
nary worth.  The  acquaintance  thus  formed  has  continued  till  this 
time.  Little  Mary  has  become  the  woman,  not  the  less  pious  or 
useful.  Her  anxiety  to  benefit  the  young  Christian  especially  has 
induced  her  to  give  this  little  work  to  the  public." 

Mr.  Matthias  expresses  the  conviction  that 

"  Pious  youth  will  read  this  book  with  pleasure  and  profit. 
They  will  be  encouraged  to  put  forth  the  hand  of  faith  and  grasp 
the  proffered  fulfillment  of  many  gracious  promises  in  the  Book  of 
God." 

How  the  little  book  impressed  one  young  heart  may  be 
gathered  from  the  following  extract  from  a  letter  written 
by  a  lady,  now  of  Cranford,  N.  J.,  dated  Jan.  28,  1884 : 

1 '  My  mind  reverts  to  the  time,  more  than  thirty  years  ago,  when 
I  first  heard  of  your  mother.  It  was  at  the  pastor's  class  in  Jersey 
City.  One  afternoon  a  stranger  led  it.  I  was  the  only  youthful 
member  present.  He  made  some  remarks  expressive  of  his  interest 
in  young  Christians,  and  said  he  should  like,  at  the  close  of  the 
meeting,  to  give  me  a  book.  Of  course  I  waited,  and  he  brought 
me  Mary ;  or,  The  Young  Christian,  saying  :  'The  person  this  book 
is  about  is  now  living  in  Trenton,  where  I  reside.  You  will  find 
she  began  to  be  useful  when  very  young,  and  she  is  still  working 
for  Jesus.  She  is  the  best  person  I  ever  knew  and  has  done  the 
most  good.'  I  read  and  re-read  the  little  book,  and  thought  what 
a  privilege  it  would  be  to  really  know  one  who,  it  seemed,  could 
only  be  classed  with  Hester  Ann  Rogers,  Mrs.  Fletcher,  and  such 
exalted  characters,  who  always  seemed  to  me  to  belong  to  another 
world." 

Upon  how  many  young  hearts  a  strong  impression  was 
made  during  the  forty  years  that  Mary  was  a  standard 
book  of  the  libraries  of  Methodist  Episcopal  churches, 
only  eternity  can  reveal.  But  the  writer  has  known  of 
not  a  few  to  whom  the  unpretending  volume  has  been  a 
revelation  and  an  inspiration. 


MANIFOLD  ACTIVITIES.  135 

"Using  hospitality,"  especially  to  the  lovers  of  the 
Lord  Jesus,  was  a  duty  which  this  disciple  performed 
"  without  grudging  "  and  "  without  murmuring."  *  In- 
deed, she  never  seemed  so  happy,  or  so  thoroughly  mis- 
tress of  the  situation,  as  when  in  her  own  home,  sur- 
rounded with  a  company  of  Christian  friends.  Of  course, 
there  were  times  when  such  a  use  of  hospitality  involved 
care  and  toil  which  taxed  the  strength  of  the  housewife. 
One  lesson  learned  in  those  early  days  of  her  married 
life,  when  her  pastor  was  at  the  same  time  her  guest,  was 
often  alluded  to.  The  narration  which  follows  is  from  a 
letter  written  while  the  incident  was  fresh  in  the  writer's 
mind.  It  shows  the  artlessness  of  the  young  daughter 
and  wife,  as  well  as  the  simple  faith  of  the  earnest  Chris- 
tian: 

Dear  mother,  I  must  tell  you  what  a  feast  I  have  had  recently. 
On  Thursday  afteruoon  there  came  a  preacher  and  his  wife  here  to 
stay  all  night.  We  were  cleaning  house  and  had  not  yet  prepared 
our  spare  room  for  lodging.  We  were  all  fatigued  and  felt  more 
like  going  to  bed  than  entertaining  company.  When  I  saw  them 
getting  out  of  their  carriage  I  thought, "  I  do  wish  they  had  not  come 
just  at  this  time  of  bustle  and  confusion.  What  shall  we  do  with 
them  ? "  Immediately  that  passage  came  with  great  force  to  my 
mind,  as  though  it  had  been  audibly  spoken  to  me,  "Be  not 
forgetful  to  entertain  strangers,  for  thereby  some  have  entertained 
angels  unawares."  At  that  moment  I  caught  a  glimpse  of  their 
faces  and  I  saw  the  Savior's  image  impressed  on  their  countenances. 
With  all  my  heart  I  was  ready  to  say:  "  Come  in,  ye  blessed  of  the 
Lord!  Welcome!  Welcome!  to  my  house."  They  came  in,  and  we 
hastened  to  prepare  supper  for  them  and  to  fix  a  room  for  them  to 
lodge  in.  Never  did  I  do  anything  more  cheerfully.  Every  minute 
they  stayed  I  loved  them  more  and  more,  because  I  saw  in  them  so 
clearly  the  character  of  Him  who  is  "  altogether  lovely."  I  spent 
the  evening  in  conversation  with  dear   Sister  Baker,  that  is  their 

*  See  1  Pet.  iv.  10,  Revised  Version. 


136  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

name,  on  the  great  and  glorious  subject  which  is  nearest  and  dear- 
est to  my  heart — the  exalted  jn'ivilege  of  the  Christian,  entire  sanc- 
tification,  holiness  of  heart.  This  blessed  state  she  has  attained, 
and  lives  as  on  the  verge  of  heaven.  O  what  a  saint  of  the  Most 
High !  While  she  spoke  of  the  joys  of  this  great  salvation,  my  heart 
was  melted  and  seemed  to  run  into  hers,  and  thus  we  held  sweet 
communion.  She  called  me  "a  kindred  spirit."  But  O  I  thought 
I  had  only  a  spark  of  the  holy  fire  which  burns  with  a  mighty  flame 
on  the  altar  of  her  heart.  Yet  I  rejoice  to  feel  that  this  little  spark 
is  increasing.  It  is  glowing  with  more  ardor,  and  I  trust  will  soon 
burst  into  a  flame  that  will  burn  up  all  the  dross  of  base  nature.  I 
do  know  that  I  love  God  supremely,  that  my  heart  is  not  on  earth 
but  in  heaven,  that  my  will  is  swallowed  up  in  the  will  divine,  and 
that  the  Most  High  condescends  to  own  me  for  His  child  and  bless 
me  with  His  smiles  from  day  to  day.  But  O  there  is  a  fullness 
wdiich  I  have  not  yet  attained  to  which  my  soul  aspires  continually. 
But  to  return  to  those  good  people.  Brother  Baker  prayed  that 
night  as  if  his  lips  were  indeed  touched  with  hallowed  fire; 
such  holy  unction  attended  his  words.  Next  morning  Sister  Baker 
prayed,  and  it  surpassed  description.  About  nine  o'clock  they  left, 
and  I  begged  them  for  one  more  prayer.  Brother  Baker  again  sup- 
plicated the  throne,  and  such  a  prayer!  It  seemed  to  take  hold  of 
the  blessings  it  asked  for  and  bring  them  down  upon  our  souls.  It 
was  a  melting  time,  a  searching  time,  a  joyful  time.  They  left  a 
holy  influence  in  our  habitation.  I  thank  the  Lord  for  sending 
them  here,  and  I  should  like  to  have  such  visitors  every  week  to 
give  me  a  new  impulse  in  my  upward  course. 

Many  a  time  afterward  the  memory  of  that  visit  of 
God's  own  "  angels  " — messengers  of  love  and  blessing — 
came  to  this  spirit  when  a  like  opportunity  for  hospital- 
ity was  offered,  and  many  a  poor  wayfarer  found  care 
and  comfort  and  blessing  as  a  sort  of  repayment  for  the 
good  imparted  by  those  saintly  guests.  Would  that  all 
visits  of  God's  servants  left  a  savor  as  hallowed ! 

The  gift  of  singing  was  not  the  least  valuable  of  the 
talents  committed  to  this  faithful  servant.     One  illustra- 


MANIFOLD  ACTIVITIES.  137 

tion  of  its  use  comes  to  the  memory  at  this  point  in  our 
history.  One  evening  there  came  to  the  class-meeting  a 
stranger  whose  testimony,  though  brief  and  given  amid 
sobs,  so  as  scarcely  to  be  audible,  indicated  great  depres- 
sion and  discouragement.  She  had  been  a  child  of  God, 
but  had  well-nigh  lost  heart  and  hope.  As  the  testimony 
closed,  Mrs.  James  was  moved — may  we  not  say  inspired  1 
— to  sing  a  homely  song  of  the  olden  time  : 

"  The  feeble,  the  faithless,  the  weak  are  His  care  : 
The  helpless,  the  hopeless  ;  He  hears  their  sad  prayer. 
Through  great  tribulations  His  people  He'll  bring, 
And  when  they  reach  heaven  the  louder  they'll  sing." 

A  voice  from  heaven  could  scarcely  have  given  more 
help  to  the  discouraged  one.  Grasping  the  thought  of 
God's  care  for  just  such  as  herself,  she  rejoiced  in  Him 
as  her  Deliverer.  From  that  time  her  path  was  onward 
and  upward.  It  need  not  be  added  that  the  stranger  and 
her  helper  were  friends  ever  after. 

The  same  gift  was  effective  on  another  occasion  in  a 
different  way.  The  happy  singer  had  called,  as  was  her 
wont,  to  cheer  a  poor  old  blind  lady.  As  the  two  talked 
and  the  visitor  sang  : 

"  How  firm  a  foundation,  ye  saints  of  the  Lord, 
Is  laid  for  your  faith  in  His  excellent  Word," 

a  little  girl  listened.  Nearly  forty  years  after,  the 
impression  of  the  singing  was  still  so  strong  that  she  who 
heard  it  wrote  :  "  Perhaps  I  never  heard  a  sermon  that 
stirred  my  heart  to  its  inmost  depths  as  did  that  hymn, 
sung  in  such  a  sweetly  spiritual  manner." 

Of  one  sort  of  work  to  which  Mrs.  James  devoted  not 
a  little  time  and  strength  Fifty  Years'  Walk  with  Jesus 
thus  speaks : 


138  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

To  show  special  attention  to  the  poor,  she  felt  was  a  divine  re- 
quirement and  a  means  of  grace  to  her  own  soul.  Those  upon  whom 
the  world  looked  with  contempt  always  claimed  her  notice.  A 
salutation  was  occasionally  given  her  such  as  this:  ''I  tried  to 
speak  to  you  on  Sabbath  as  we  were  passing  out  of  the  church,  but 
you  were  so  taken  up  with  that  woman.  Who  in  the  world  is  she? 
I  shouldn't  think  she  was  much,  judging  from  her  appearance." 
The  reply  in  one  case  was:  "That  woman  is  a  stranger,  having 
come  to  our  church  for  the  first  time.  I  always  feel  it  my  duty  to 
be  attentive  to  strangers.  The  Bible  enjoins  this,  you  know,  and 
the  fact  of  her  being  poorly  dressed  made  me  feel  more  interested 
because  her  lot  must  be  doubly  hard  if  she  is  in  poverty  and  among 
strangers  too.  And  that  poor  woman  I  found  really  needs  spiritual 
help  and  comfort,  and  I  am  going  to  see  her  right  soon,  and  will 
try  to  show  her  that  she  has  at  least  one  friend  here  to  care  for  aud 
aid  her."  And  that  poor  woman,  with  many  others,  will  ever  bless 
God  for  such  ministrations. 

The  Lord's  most  precious  jewels  are  sometimes  found  in  mean- 
looking  caskets  and  amid  the  deepest  poverty.  One  of  those, 
whose  brilliancy  astonished  all  listeners  to  her  glowing  recital  of 
rich  experience,  was  often  invited  to  the  house  of  her  who  deemed 
it  an  honor  to  entertain  the  disciples  of  her  Lord.  That  welcome 
guest  was  ever  abiding  under  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty,  and  her 
conversation  on  the  deep  things  of  God  afforded  many  a  feast  of 
hallowed  enjoyment  through  succeeding  years.  One  of  the  sweet- 
est privileges  of  her  life  was  to  contribute  to  the  necessities  of  that 
poor  saint. 

Once,  when  visiting  her,  and  learning  that  she  was  not  able  to 
visit  the  Lord's  house  for  want  of  suitable  apparel,  she  thought  in 
her  heart,  Now  I  will  provide  her  with  a  suit  with  that  money 
which  I  have  laid  by  to  purchase  a  bonnet  for  myself.  I  can  get  a 
lower  priced  one  than  I  had  intended,  and  have  enough  left  to  get 
her  a  summer  dress,  and  other  things  I  can  supply  from  my  own 
wardrobe.  Not  saying  a  word  about  her  intention,  she  left  the 
needy  one  with  an  assurance  that  God  would  "supply  all  her 
need,"  and  went  home  to  act  as  the  almoner  of  His  bounty. 

Before  the  close  of  the  week  the  poor  woman  had  received  a 
bonnet,  shawl,  and  dress,  and,  neatly  attired,  she  was  found  among 
the  worshipers  at  the  sanctuary  on  the  next  Sabbath.     On  the  day 


MANIFOLD  ACTIVITIES.  139 

the  welcome  donation  was  received  from  a  nameless  friend,  a  pre- 
cious heavenly  influence  came  like  a  refreshing  shower  upon  the 
heart  of  the  happy  one  who  had  sent  the  gift,  filling  her  with  glad- 
ness sweeter  than  words  can  express.  Days  and  weeks  after  the 
hallowed  benediction  seemed  resting  upon  her  with  peculiar  sweet- 
ness and  power.  At  her  next  interview  with  the  sister  on  whom 
the  gift  had  been  bestowed,  she  learned  the  secret  of  her  having 
received  that  special  blessing.  The  grateful  recipient  of  the  ap- 
parel met  her  with  open  arms,  exclaiming  :  "You  blessed  woman  ! 
I  am  so  thankful  to  you  for  that  beautiful  present  !  You  didn't 
mean  I  should  know  that  you  were  the  giver,  but  I  did  know  just 
as  soon  as  I  saw  the  things  ;  and  I  fell  right  down  on  my  knees 
and  asked  the  Lord  to  send  you  a  rich  recompense,  to  fill  your  soul 
to  overflowing  with  His  love,  and  to  reward  you  a  hundredfold, 
even  in  temporal  things,  and  I  knew  He  would  do  it,  for  I  felt  a 
token  of  the  answer  in  my  heart." 

Her  friend  replied  :  "Already  your  first  petition  has  been  an- 
swered by  an  abundant  spiritual  blessing,  and  I  am  willing  to  wait 
for  the  other."  But  soon  it  also  came — a  splendid  present  from  a 
relative,  who,  on  her  dying  bed,  had  bequeathed  to  her  an  extensive 
wardrobe.  Thus  was  fulfilled  the  divine  promise  :  "Give,  and  it 
shall  be  given  unto  you;  good  measure,  pressed  down,  shaken 
together,  and  running  over,  shall  men  give  into  your  bosom." — 
Luke,  vi.  38. 

JSTot  content  with  what  she  could  do  for  the  needy,  this 
imitator  of  Him  who  "  went  about  doing  good  "  sought 
to  enlist  and  associate  her  Christian  sisters  in  such  work. 

She  found,  in  her  walks  among  the  poor,  many  in  destitute  cir- 
cumstances, and  saw  the  great  need  of  an  organization  by  which  the 
worthy  poor  might  be  made  comfortable.  In  speaking  to  a  lady  of 
the  Baptist  Church,  who  was  ready  for  every  good  work,  she  found  a 
response  to  her  proposal  to  form  a  society  for  the  relief  of  the  poor. 
With  earnest  prayer  for  God's  help  and  blessing  they  started  in 
the  good  work,  and  found  many  Christian  women  glad  to  join  them 
in  this  benevolent  enterprise,  and  soon  they  had  an  association 
composed  of  members  of  all  the  churches.     The  ladies  met  weekly 


140  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

and  made  clothing  for  the  poor,  besides  furnishing  those  of  them 
who  were  aged  and  helpless  with  groceries  and  other  provisions. 

The  benefits  resulting  were  most  cheering,  not  only  to  the  recip- 
ients of  the  bounties  bestowed,  but  also  to  the  donors.  Their  meet- 
ings were  means  of  spiritual  profit  as  well  as  social  pleasure,  pro- 
moting the  fellowship  of  kindred  minds,  and  thus  uniting  in 
strongest  bonds  those  of  different  branches  of  the  household  of 
faith  as  they  had  never  been  before. 

In  their  visits  to  the  destitute  their  souls  were  often  fed  with 
heaven's  richest  bounties.  The  luxury  of  doing  good  was  their 
portion  in  large  measure.  Often  did  they  find  among  the  poor 
those  who  were  "rich  in  faith,  and  heirs  of  the  kingdom,"  who 
ministered  to  them  in  spiritual  things,  while  they  supplied  them 
with  temporal  comforts. 

A  beautiful  example  of  this  "precious  faith"  was  an  aged 
woman  who  was  called  "  Aunty  Piatt."  The  Visiting  Committee 
deemed  it  a  peculiar  privilege  to  visit  this  old  saint,  because  she 
was  always  happy,  and  had  so  much  to  say  about  the  good  things 
of  the  kingdom.  Greeting  them  with  a  smile,  she  always  returned 
their  salutation,  "How  do  you  do?"  with,  "Bless  the  Lord!  I'm 
not  right  smart,  but  very  happy,  I  thank  you." 

One  day  two  ladies  called,  and  after  their  usual  salutation  and 
her  cheerful  response,  she  added:  "I  was  right  sick  this  mornin' 
before  I  got  up,  and  I  thought  I  couldn't  get  out  o'  bed,  but  I  had 
my  little  wash  to  do,  and  so  I  asked  the  Lord  to  please  to  give  me 
strength  to  git  up  and  do  it ;  and  bless  you,  I  begun  to  feel  better 
right  straight  away,  and  I  got  up  and  dressed  and  got  my  break- 
fast and  then  went  to  washin',  and  I  felt  like  a  gal  o'  sixteen.  The 
way  I  did  flirt  around  them  clothes  was  amazin',  and  I  got  'em  done 
directly.  "Why,  I  don't  know  when  I  have  felt  so  strong  and  well, 
and  I  was  a-praisin'  the  Lord  all  the  whole  time  I  was  washin', 
'cause  I  knowed  it  was  Him  that  give  me  strength  and  cured  me  so 
quick.  And  that's  the  way  He  often  answers  my  prayers.  Bless 
His  dear  name  !  " 

"Well,  Aunty  Piatt,"  said  one  of  the  ladies,  "we  are  very  glad 
you  are  so  helped  and  blessed  by  the  God  in  whom  you  trust,  and 
now  we  have  come  to  supply  you  with  provisions." 

Smiling,  she  said :  "  Well  I  thank  you,  but  I  believe  I  don't 
need  anything." 


MANIFOLD  ACTIVITIES.  141 

"  Have  you  tea  and  sugar  ?  " 

"Well,  let  me  see,  no,  I  believe  I  haven't  neither." 

"  Have  you  any  flour  or  bread  ?  " 

"  Well,  come  to  think,  I  haven't,  for  I  used  the  last  this  morn- 
ing." 

"  Have  you  butter  ?  " 

"Law,  no;  I  haven't  a  bit,"  laughing. 

"Well,  Aunty  Piatt,  you  seem  to  be  out  of  a  good  many  things," 
remarked  one  of  the  ladies. 

"Why,  yes!  Well,  railly,  I  didn't  remember;  I  was  a-thinkin' 
how  good  the  Lord  was  to  me,  and  I  forgot  everything  else.  Oh, 
I  do  love  to  praise  Him,  He  is  so  good !  " 

As  the  ladies  bade  her  good-evening,  with  the  promise  to  send 
her  a  supply,  she  followed  them  to  the  door  with  a  hearty  "God 
bless  you  !  " 

"What  a  lesson  we  have  learned  from  that  happy  saint!  "  said 
one  to  the  other.  "Does  not  her  language  remind  you  of  that 
beautiful  hymn : 

"  '  The  Lord  my  Shepherd  is, 
I  shall  be  well  supplied  ; 
Since  He  is  mine  and  I  am  His, 
What  can  I  want  beside  ?'  " 

"Yes,"  replied  the  other,  "  and  what  a  blessing  it  is  to  witness 
such  examples  of  the  power  of  grace,  and  what  a  great  privilege  it 
is  to  minister  to  the  necessities  of  the  saints.  Surely,  by  our  visit 
to  Aunty  Piatt,  wTe  have  learned  a  lesson  of  contentment  and  trust 
that  we  can  never  forget." 

It  was  not  long  after  the  occurrence  just  related  that  the  writer, 
who  was  a  frequent  visitor  at  that  humble  abode,  went  to  see  the 
aged  couple  (Aunty  Piatt's  husband  was  living  at  that  time),  and 
after  inquiring  how  they  were,  the  usual  answer  was  given  :  "  Bless 
the  Lord  !  I'm  pretty  well,  I  thank  you;  but,"  she  added,  "Dan'el 
is  very  sick,  and  I  think  the  Lord  is  goin'  to  take  him  home.  I've 
been  a  prayin'  that  He  won't  take  him  in  the  night-time, 'cause,  you 
see,  I'd  be  alone,  and  it  would  seem  kind  o'  bad  not  to  have  anybody 
with  me;  so  I've  been  askin'  the  Lord  to  please  to  take  him  in  the 
day-time,  and  I  expect  He  will !  "  The  next  morning  the  visitor 
called  again,  and  was  met  as  usual  with  a  bright  smile  and  "  Bless 


142  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

the  Lord !  He's  taken  Dan'el  home.  He  is  so  good  and  kind  !  He 
didn't  take  him  in  the  night.  I  seen  he  was  a-goin'  early  in  the 
night,  but  I  kneeled  right  down  and  prayed  that  he  might  stay  till 
mornin',  so's  I  could  have  somebody  here.  He  didn't  go  till  after 
daylight,  and  I  called  in  a  neighbor  before  he  went.  So  you  see 
the  Lord  answered  my  prayer.  I  expected  He  would ;  bless  His 
Name  ! " 

Is  it  not  a  privilege  to  help  such  poor  saints?  And 
how  many  there  are  whose  heavy  life-burclens  might  be 
made  lighter  and  their  path  smoothed  by  such  help  as 
was  afforded  Aunty  Piatt.  The  benevolent  association 
alluded  to  was  sustained  with  increasing  interest  through 
succeeding  years,  and  still  existed  when  this  record  was 
made  in  1874,  having  blessed  many  hundreds  with  aid. 

Some  votaries  of  "  the  higher  Christian  life  "  have  been 
charged  with  injuring  the  influence  of  their  pastors,  espe- 
cially those  who  did  not  manifest  special  interest  in  this 
doctrine  and  experience,  by  criticisms  upon  their  preach- 
ing, as  not  adapted  to  meet  the  spiritual  needs  of  ad- 
vanced believers.  There  could  have  been  no  foundation 
for  such  charges  in  the  case  of  the  subject  of  this  memoir. 
This  record  of  one  case  in  point  was  given  by  Mrs.  James 
in  a  paper  which  appeared  in  the  Guide  to  Holiness,  in 
1877,  entitled  "Charity  Never  Faileth."  The  writer 
states  that  it  was  to  have  had  a  place  in  Fifty  Years' 
Walk  with  Jesus,  but  the  original  memoranda  had  been 
misplaced  till  the  series  of  articles  with  that  title  had 
ended. 

A  minister  was  once  appointed  to  the  pastoral  charge  of  the 
church  with  which  I  was  connected,  of  whom  it  was  said  that  he 
was  "very  talented  and  popular,  but  not  at  all  spiritual,  and  de- 
cidedly opposed  to  the  profession  of  entire  sanctification." 

My  heart  was  sad.  I  thought,  Now  we  shall  no  more  be  favored 
with  solid  Gospel  food;  we  shall  only  have  "  high-flavored  pastry  " 


MANIFOLD  ACTIVITIES.  143 

which  does  not  nourish  and  strengthen  the  soul,  and  I  shall  almost 
starve  on  such  preaching.  But,  quickly  arresting  my  thoughts,  I 
asked  my  heart,  Is  this  right  ?  Should  I  cherish  such  feelings  as 
these  ?  Had  I  not  better  send  up  to  God  my  fervent  prayers  that 
my  new  pastor  may  be  baptized  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  thus  be 
qualified  to  feed  his  flock  with  the  bread  which  cometh  down  from 
heaven  ?  And  should  I  not  cultivate  feelings  of  respect  and  love 
toward  him  as  an  ambassador  of  the  Lord  Jesus  ?  Yes,  that  is  just 
what  I  ought  to  do,  and  what  I  will  do,  God  being  my  helper.  I 
will  stand  by  my  pastor  as  I  always  have  done.  I  will  speak  and 
think  kindly  of  him;  no  one  shall  be  influenced  by  me  to  think 
lightly  of  him,  and  at  all  events  my  own  soul  shall  not  suffer  loss, 
but  will  gain  strength  by  doing  my  duty. 

Soon  reports  came  to  my  ears  of  the  faults  and  foibles  and  in- 
consistencies of  the  new  pastor.  I  had  no  ears  and  no  heart  to 
receive  such  reports,  but  at  once  began  to  check  them,  entreating 
those  who  were  circulating  them  to  cease  placing  barriers  in  the 
way  of  his  usefulness,  who  was  no  doubt  sent  of  God  to  minister  to 
us.  They  might  thus  hinder  the  salvation  of  many  souls,  and  they 
had  much  better  pray  for  him  than  to  speak  against  him. 

When  he  appeared  in  the  pulpit  on  the  following  Sabbath  the 
temptation  returned  to  me  with  great  force,  that  I  should  not  be  fed 
by  his  preaching.  What  a  great  contrast  to  his  predecessor,  who 
was  so  humble,  so  devoted,  etc.  At  once  the  Tempter  was  repelled, 
and  looking  unto  Jesus  and  asking  for  grace  to  overcome  these 
troublesome  thoughts,  which  were  surely  from  Satan,  and  invoking 
the  divine  baptism  upon  the  preacher,  I  felt  a  sudden  lifting  up  of 
spirit  and  a  conscious  victory.  Immediately  my  heart  was  filled 
with  love  and  sympathy  for  my  pastor,  and  also  a  most  blessed 
sense  of  the  divine  presence  and  approval.  The  sermon  was  profit- 
able and  precious. 

From  that  time  there  was  no  lack  of  interest  in  the  ministry,  or 
of  fellowship  with  the  pastor,  and  during  his  pastorate  there 
seemed  increasing  spirituality  and  great  devotion  to  his  work. 
When  asked  that  a  meeting  for  the  promotion  of  holiness  might  be 
held  in  the  church  he  made  no  objection,  but  expressed  an  earnest 
desire  that  it  might  prove  a  blessing  to  the  membership,  which  it 
did  in  a  high  degree.  I  have  never  since  heard  of  that  minister 
opposing  any  efforts  for  the  advancement  of  holiness,  and  it  has 


144  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

given  me  great  pleasure  to  know  of  his  usefulness,  and  to  remem- 
ber the  victory  I  was  enabled,  through  grace,  to  gain  over  the  ad- 
versary of  God  and  man,  who  is  always  throwing  obstacles  in  the 
way  of  God's  ambassadors  in  their  efforts  to  save  souls  and  build 
up  the  church.  It  is  a  sad  fact  that  he  sometimes  uses  good  people 
for  the  accomplishment  of  his  vile  purposes. 

The  Eev.  John  S.  Porter,  D.D.,  for  some  years  past 
the  senior  member  of  the  New  Jersey  Annual  Conference 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  was  pastor  of  the 
church  in  Mount  Holly,  of  which  Mrs.  James  was  then 
an  active  member,  in  the  years  1852-54.  During  an  in- 
terview at  the  General  Conference  of  18S4,  the  writer  of 
these  pages  asked  Dr.  Porter  to  write  some  reminiscences 
of  his  pastoral  relations  with  Mrs.  James.  With  sincere 
pleasure  the  letter  sent  in  response  to  this  request  is  given 
entire.  The  statements  of  this  venerable  man  would  doubt- 
less receive  the  cordial  indorsement  of  every  one  of  her 
pastors. 

"Pilgrim's  Lodge,  Burlington,  N.  J.,  July  16,  1884. 

"  Dear  Brother  :  I  have  delayed  to  write  respecting  the  church- 
life  of  your  excellent  mother,  the  late  Mrs.  Mary  D.  James,  not 
because  there  was  any  defect  in  that  life,  but  because  of  the  diffi- 
culty of  selecting  the  particular  features  which  should  be  delineated. 
She  was  so  near  a  perfect  model  of  a  Christian  woman,  when  the 
writer  was  her  pastor  in  Mount  Holly,  and  the  symmetry  of  her 
character  was  so  complete,  that  to  call  attention  to  any  virtue  as 
more  manifest  than  another  is  hardly  admissible.  "Whatsoever 
things  are  true,  honest,  just,  pure,  lovely,  and  of  good  report  were 
all  beautifully  united  in  her  character. 

"  To  her  pastor  she  was  a  willing  helper.  It  was  a  benediction 
to  see  her  regularly  in  her  place  in  the  House  of  Prayer.  She  found 
strengthening  in  attending  the  means  of  grace.  Her  devout  atten- 
tion to  the  preaching  of  the  Word,  as  though  she  would  be  edified, 
was  a  source  of  inspiration  to  the  preacher.     Although  well  quali- 


MANIFOLD  ACTIVITIES.  145 

fied  to  instruct  others,  it  was  her  delight  to  learn  and  by  all  proper 
means  to  increase  in  the  knowledge  and  love  of  God.  In  the  social 
meetings  for  prayer  and  praise  she  was  punctual  in  attendance  and 
was  ready  to  take  part,  but  never  obtrusive.  In  giving  testimony 
for  Christ  it  was  apparent  that  her  desire  was  to  exalt  her  Savior 
and  not  herself.  No  one  could  detect  any  operation  of  a  spirit 
which  said  or  intimated,  'I  am  holier  than  thou,'  nor  did  she  fail 
to  glorify  the  grace  which  saves  to  the  uttermost." 

A  paragraph  in  regard  to  the  Sunday-school  work  of 
Mrs.  James  is  omitted  here,  that  it  may  appear  in  the 
chapter  on  her  work  for  little  people.  The  letter  of  Dr. 
Porter  continues : 

"Her  heart  felt  a  tender  sympathy  for  the  poor,  not  of  the 
church  only,  but  of  the  town.  As  far  as  she  had  opportunity  this 
was  manifested  by  making  application  to  others  for  help  and  using 
her  own  means  to  assist  such  as  she  found  in  need.  To  do  this 
work  she  often  sacrificed  ease  and  many  comforts  that  she  might 
afford  comfort  to  those  in  the  distress  of  poverty. 

"If  you  can  extract  anything  from  this  communication  that  will 
be  of  interest  in  portraying  your  blessed  mother  it  is  at  your  serv- 
ice. May  the  richest  of  divine  blessings  be  with  you  in  all  your 
labors  of  love.     Yours  affectionately, 

"John  S.  Porter." 

While  yet  Mr.  Porter  was  the  pastor  of  the  Mount 
Holly  church,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  James  removed  from  the 
place.  Here  they  entered  upon  housekeeping,  and  here 
passed  nearly  nineteen  years  of  their  married  life,  with 
its  joys  and  sorrows.  As  we  have  seen,  these  years  were 
packed  with  rich  experiences  and  intense  activity  of  serv- 
ice for  Christ  on  the  part  of  the  wife.  Not  without  re- 
gret did  she  leave  the  many  kind  friends  who  had  there 
gathered  about  her,  and  many  were  her  visits  to  the 
scenes  so  full  of  interest. 

This  part  of  the  record  must  not  close  without  an  allu- 
7 


146  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

sion  to  one  friend  of  those  years  whose  memory  was  ever 
cherished  by  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  her  class-leader, 
Hon.  Clayton  Monroe.  Judge  Monroe  added  to  many 
excellencies  of  life  and  character  rare  wisdom  as  a  Chris- 
tian counselor.  As  long  as  the  excellent  man  lived,  oc- 
casional letters  passed  between  him  and  his  friend,  and 
many  were  their  expressions  of  mutual  regard.  His  son, 
the  Eev.  Samuel  Y.  Monroe,  D.D.,  First  Corresponding 
Secretary  of  the  Church  Extension  Society  of  the  Method- 
ist Episcopal  Church,  and  his  grandson,  the  Kev.  James 
M.  Buckley,  D.D.,  now  editor  of  the  Christian  Advo- 
cate^ have  been  honored  in  Methodism.  If  the  venerable 
class-leader  was  not  so  widely  known  as  they,  his  memory 
is  precious. 


PART    THIRD. 
THE  MATURE   CHRISTIAN. 


CHAPTER  I. 

SECOND    RESIDENCE    IN   TRENTON. 

The  development  of  Christian  character  requires  time. 
No  work  of  regeneration  or  sanctification,  instantane- 
ously performed  by  Almighty  grace,  does  away  with  the 
necessity  for  patient  study  to  apprehend  the  truth,  or 
painstaking  effort  to  assimilate  that  truth  and  bring  the 
life  into  harmony  with  it. 

The  failure  to  grasp  this  principle  and  make  it  practi- 
cal may  account  for  the  many  spiritual  dwarfs  and  mon- 
strosities to  be  found  in  the  Church  of  Christ.  Multi- 
tudes seem  to  think  that  at  conversion  the  work  is  all 
done,  and  make  little  or  no  effort  to  advance  to  Christian 
manhood  or  womanhood.  If  in  Christ  at  all,  they  al- 
ways remain  babes  in  Christ.  Others  stop  at  a  higher 
stage.  They  have  received  a  "  second  blessing,"  which 
may  be  "  entire  sanctification  "  so  far  as  it  respects  the 
removal  of  sin  and  the  complete  subjugation  of  the  heart, 
the  will,  the  motive-power  of  the  nature,  to  God.  Their 
error  is  in  the  conclusion  that  now  there  remains  little 
more  to  be  done.  The  hindrances  to  growth  may  be  re- 
moved, but  there  is  not  spiritual  vitality,  or  it  is  not 


148  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

manifested  in  Christian  progress.  Perhaps  a  still  larger 
number  are  taken  up  with  glowing  emotions  and  spiritual 
uplifts.  Their  religion  is  one-sided — plenty  of  feeling, 
but  little  well-directed  activity. 

The  way  in  which  the  divine  and  human  co-operate  in 
the  production  of  symmetrical  Christian  life  and  charac- 
ter is  beautifully  presented  by  the  Apostle  Peter  in  his 
statement  that :  *  "  Divine  power  hath  granted  unto  us  all 
things  that  pertain  unto  life  and  godliness,  through  the 
knowledge  of  Him  that  hath  called  us  by  His  own  glory 
and  virtue ;  whereby  He  hath  granted  unto  us  His  precious 
and  exceeding  great  promises ;  that  through  these  ye  may 
become  partakers  of  the  divine  nature,  having  escaped 
from  the  corruption  that  is  in  the  world  by  lust.  Yea, 
and  for  this  very  cause  adding  on  your  part  all  diligence, 
in  your  faith  supply  virtue ;  and  in  your  virtue  knowl- 
edge ;  and  in  your  knowledge  temperance  [or  "  self-con- 
trol"]; and  in  your  temperance  patience;  and  in  your 
patience  godliness;  and  in  your  godliness  love  of  the 
brethren  ;  and  in  your  love  of  the  brethren  love."  This 
apostle  sums  up  all  the  instructions  of  his  two  letters  in 
the  closing  exhortation :  f  "Grow  in  the  grace  and  knowl- 
edge of  our  Lord  and  Savior  Jesus  Christ."  In  no  other 
way  can  the  divine  ideal  be  attained  in  human  experience. 

In  the  case  under  the  scrutiny  of  the  reader  of  these 
pages  there  was  in  very  early  life  a  remarkable  work  of 
grace  which,  as  we  have  seen,  gloriously  cleansed  the 
heart  and  marked  the  entrance  upon  a  very  high  plane  of 
Christian  living,  but  its  subject  did  not  stop  there.  Dur- 
ing the  score  of  years  spent  in  comparative  obscurity  in 
the  little  village  of  Mount  Holly,  Mrs.  James  not  only 

*  2  Pet.  i.  3-7,  Revised  Version.  1 2  Pet.  iii.  18,  Revised  Version. 


SECOND  RESIDENCE  IN  TRENTON.  149 

accomplished  a  great  deal,  but  constantly  advanced  in  the 
divine  life.  She  had  now  entered  her  forty -fourth  year 
and  was  in  the  thirty-third  of  her  religious  history,  and 
those  who  knew  her  would  not  have  deemed  it  improper 
to  speak  of  her  as  a  "  mature  Christian  ; "  one  in  whom 
the  Christian  graces  appeared  in  rare  symmetry  of  de- 
velopment. The  reader  may  have  noticed  that  several 
whose  words  are  quoted  in  this  volume  speak  of  this  sym- 
metry. 

At  this  point  in  the  history  occurrences  took  place 
which  marked  an  epoch  therein.  The  demands  of  her 
family  were  not  usually  so  imperative,  and  it  became  pos- 
sible for  her  to  spend  more  time  in  specifically  Christian 
activities.  In  contemplating  this  portion  of  her  career  it 
may  be  well  first  to  notice  the  changes  which  occurred 
and  the  entrance  upon  and  labors  in  new  and  wider 
spheres,  and  then  to  devote  a  chapter  to  each  of  several 
phases  of  her  experience  and  work,  with  little  reference 
to  the  order  of  time. 

While  they  were  separated  it  was  the  one  earthly  wish 
of  Mrs.  James  to  be  once  more  with  her  cherished 
mother.  Many  were  the  efforts  of  her  husband  to  so  ar- 
range his  business  that  this  wish  could  be  gratified,  but 
it  was  not  until  after  the  mother's  removal  from  earth 
that  the  way  opened  for  the  return  to  Trenton.  The 
health  of  the  watchmaker  had  suffered  from  too  close  ap- 
plication to  his  business.  The  offer  of  employment  that 
would  call  him  out  of  doors  gave  hope  of  improvement 
in  this  respect,  and  the  capital  of  New  Jersey  seemed 
likely  to  be  a  good  center  for  the  new  business.  The 
death  of  Mrs.  Yard  had  left  the  place  without  its  chief 
attraction  to  Mrs.  James,  but  her  brother,  Mr.  Charles  C. 
Yard,  a  life-long  invalid,  needed  care  which   a  sister 


150  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

might  give.  So,  in  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1853,  all 
were  glad  to  be  once  more  together  in  Trenton. 

Of  course  great  changes  had  taken  place  in  the  Chris- 
tian society  of  the  city,  but  in  the  old  Green  Street 
Methodist  Church,  now  in  a  new  location,  were  many 
who  remembered  the  "  Mary  Yard  "  of  former  years,  and 
were  glad  to  welcome  her  back. 

In  the  Sunday-school  she  soon  found  opportunities  for 
usefulness.  During  special  efforts  to  lead  the  young 
people  to  Christ,  she  was  frequently  invited  to  take  a 
prominent  part  in  services  held  after  the  school  sessions. 
In  connection  with  these,  scores  professed  conversion,  and 
there  was  evidence  that  the  labors  of  the  new-comer  were 
owned  of  God. 

In  the  spring  of  1854  business  called  Mr.  James  to 
Washington,  D.  C,  and  Baltimore,  Md.  In  the  latter 
place  a  situation  in  his  former  employment  was  offered 
and  temporarily  accepted.  A  large  part  of  the  summer 
following  was  spent  by  Mrs.  James  and  her  children 
with  the  family  of  her  brother,  Captain  Joseph  A.  Yard, 
at  Freehold,  1ST.  J.  Here,  with  aid  from  the  older  son 
during  his  summer  vacation,  the  Infant-School  Lesson 
Book  was  prepared.  Here,  too,  the  darling  "little 
Charlie"  received  injuries  from  a  fall,  which  resulted  in 
congestion  of  the  brain  and  death  soon  after  the  family 
returned  to  the  Trenton  home,  in  September.  In  Janu- 
ary, 1855,  Mr.  James  opened  a  watch  and  jewelry  store 
in  Trenton,  and  the  family  recommenced  housekeeping. 

The  following,  from  a  letter  to  Mrs.  Melinda  Hamline, 
wife  of  Bishop  Leonidas  L.  Hamline,  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  throws  light  upon  events  which  oc- 
curred during  the  period  now  under  consideration.  Its 
date  is  December  7,  1855  : 


SECOND  RESIDENCE  IN  TRENTON  151 

My  spiritual  comforts  have  abounded  and  my  physical  health  has 
been  better  than  formerly  as  a  general  thing,  and  I  have  been  able 
to  be  more  abundant  in  labors  for  my  blessed  Lord.  Some  crosses 
have  been  laid  upon  me  which  years  ago  I  never  could  have  thought 
of  bearing,  but  strength  has  been  given  according  to  the  task,  and 
I  trust  my  labors  have  not  been  in  vain,  because  I  know  they  were 
"in  the  Lord."  I  feel  an  increasing  desire  to  be  useful,  and  am  daily 
praying  most  fervently : 

"  Teach  me  what  I  have  to  do, 
Every  hour  my  strength  renew." 

Dear  sister,  will  you  not  pray  much  for  me  that  God  will  so  arm 
me  with  the  panoply  divine  that  I  may  be  able  to  accomplish  much 
in  His  glorious  cause  ?  I  feel  more  and  more  my  own  utter  weak- 
ness and 

"  Lean  on  His  arm  alone 
With  self-distrusting  eare." 

I  have  been  favored  of  late  with  the  sweet  smiles  of  Jesus.  Some- 
times the  communications  of  His  love  have  been  overwhelming,  and 
my  soul  has  been  filled  unutterably  full  of  glory  and  of  God.  Such 
assurances  of  His  tender  regard  for  me,  such  manifestations  of  His 
presence  as  surpass  the  powers  of  language  to  describe.  How  won- 
derful the  condescension  of  the  Great  and  Holy  One  thus  to  reveal 
Himself  to  a  worthless  worm  !  And  to  think  He  should  use  such 
an  one  as  an  instrument  to  accomplish  any  good !  What  an  exalted 
privilege ! 

Last  summer,  at  Red  Lion  camp-meeting,  after  a  deep  impression 
that  God  had  a  special  work  for  me  to  do  there,  and  fervent  suppli- 
cation that  I  might  be  fitted  for  that  work,  I  had  retired  and  fallen 
asleep  with  this  petition  upon  my  lips:  "Fill  me  with  faith  and 
with  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  use  me  for  Thy  glory."  I  was  awakened 
with  these  words,  spoken  as  if  audibly :  ' '  Sanctified  and  meet  for 
the  Master's  use."  I  opened  my  eyes  and  looked  around  to  see  who 
had  spoken  the  words,  and  found  the  two  sisters  lodging  with  me 
in  the  tent  asleep.  From  that  memorable  hour  the  Holy  Spirit 
seemed  to  rest  upon  me  and  to  inspire  my  heart  and  my  tongue 
more  than  ever  before. 

I  had  been  long  trying  to  get  up  a  meeting  in  Trenton  for  the 


152  TEE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

promotion  of  holiness,  but  did  not  succeed  till  after  this  fresh  bap- 
tism of  the  Holy  Ghost.  I  returned  home  determined  to  make 
another  effort,  believing  that  God  would  help  me.  In  less  than  a 
week  my  desire  was  accomplished,  and  a  meeting  was  commenced 
on  Wednesday  evenings,  which  has  been  productive  of  great  good 
to  many  precious  followers  of  Christ.  It  is  well  attended,  and  the 
special  sanction  of  the  Most  High  has  been  given  in  copious  out- 
pourings of  the  Holy  Spirit  at  every  meeting.  Glory  be  to  His 
ever-blessed  name ! 

You  kindly  allude  to  my  dear  son.  You  may  not  have  heard  of 
his  affliction,  which  the  Lord  in  great  mercy  has  now  removed,  but 
which  for  months  threatened  the  loss  of  his  sight.  He  came  home 
from  college  last  December  with  an  affection  of  his  eyes,  and  has 
been  with  us  ever  since  till  about  five  weeks  ago,  when  he  was 
called  by  a  presiding  elder  to  take  an  appointment  at  Westfield, 
N.  J.  He  is  preaching  the  blessed  Gospel  of  Christ.  .  .  .  Dear 
sister,  you  will  help  me  to  praise  the  Lord  that  He  has  claimed  our 
two  precious  boys  for  His  own  blessed  service.  O  what  unspeak- 
able delight  it  gives  me  to  think  that  I  have  one  loved  son  engaged 
in  the  service  of  the  upper  temple  and  one  employed  in  the  work 
of  God  on  earth  ! 

It  may  have  been  at  the  camp-meeting  here  mentioned, 
it  was  at  a  Keel  Lion  camp-meeting  within  a  few  years  of 
this  date,  that  the  attention  of  the  subject  of  this  memoir 
was  turned  to  a  disability  which  had  somewhat  impaired 
the  effectiveness  of  her  Christian  testimonies  and  other 
addresses.  Up  to  this  time  she  had  been  in  the  habit  of 
speaking  Avith  her  eyes  closed,  because  she  was  discon- 
certed by  meeting  the  gaze  of  others.  At  this  meeting 
she  noticed  how  greatly  the  impressiveness  of  the  words 
of  a  Christian  sister  was  increased  by  the  expression  of 
her  eye.  "With  childlike  confidence,  Mrs.  James  talked 
this  matter  over  with  Jesus  and  asked  that  she  might  be 
lifted  above  the  embarrassment  alluded  to.  From  that 
time  her  victory  was  complete.     When  addressing  audi- 


SECOND  RESIDENCE  IN  TRENTON.  153 

ences  of  hundreds,  even  thousands,  she  was  able  to  speak 
with  perfect  composure,  and  her  expressive  eyes  gave 
added  power  to  her  earnest  words. 

Of  the  meeting  for  the  promotion  of  the  work  of  entire 
sanctification,  and  its  influence,  Mrs.  James  wrote  to  the 
editor  of  the  Guide  to  Holiness  : 

It  will  give  you  pleasure  to  learn  that  the  work  of  holiness  is 
advancing  in  this  part  of  our  Zion.  For  some  months  past  the  in- 
terest on  this  subject  has  been  evidently  increasing.  We  have  a 
meeting  at  our  own  house  weekly,  with  special  reference  to  this 
subject,  and  our  parlor  is  filled  and  sometimes  crowded  with  those 
who  are  u hungering  and  thirsting  after  righteousness."  Several 
have  recently  entered  into  the  blessed  enjoyment  of  perfect  love. 

Some  of  our  young  men  who  attend  this  meeting  have  been 
greatly  quickened  and  strengthened  thereby  in  the  spiritual  life, 
and  we  doubt  not  they  will  become  "rooted  and  grounded  in 
love,"  and  hereafter  be  pillars  in  the  church  of  our  God. 

The  advantage  to  young  Christians  in  being  early  led  into  the 
way  of  holiness  is  beyond  all  estimate.  O  that  this  could  be  more 
deeply  impressed  upon  the  youthful  part  of  our  membership,  the 
vast  importance  of  being  entirely  given  up  to  God,  of  rendering 
Him  a  whole-hearted  service  !  A  heart  offered  up  to  God,  with  all 
the  powers  of  soul,  mind,  and  body,  as  a  living  sacrifice,  in  all  the 
freshness  and  vigor  and  beauty  of  youth — what  a  lovely  offering! 
How  acceptable  must  it  be  to  God,  and  how  will  He  crown  such  an 
one  with  His  richest  blessings  ! 

None  but  a  mother  so  deeply  interested  in  all  that  con- 
cerns a  son's  welfare  and  usefulness  can  fully  understand 
this  mother's  trial  in  the  providential  dispensation  which 
cut  short  the  college-work  of  her  son.  It  was  in  answer 
to  her  prayers  that  the  way  to  Pennington  Seminary  and 
Wesley  an  University  had  been  opened,  and.  she  shared 
the  student's  disappointment  when  he  was  compelled  to 
lay  aside  his  books.  While  the  trial  lasted,  her  con- 
7* 


154  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

fidence  that  all  would  be  overruled  for  real  and  eternal 
good  never  wavered,  and  greatly  helped  the  young  man 
to  bear  the  blighting  of  his  hopes  and  the  apparent  over- 
turning of  all  his  plans  for  life.  When  the  cloud  lifted, 
and  he  was  permitted,  though  with  eyes  still  capable  of 
only  partial  service,  to  devote  himself  to  pastoral  work, 
her  joy  was  unbounded. 

Yery  soon  after  the  young  minister  had  entered  upon 
his  labors  the  mother  was  summoned  to  render  aid  in 
special  revival  meetings.  She  was  not  then  accustomed 
to  attempt  extended  addresses  in  public,  but  in  such 
labor  as  is  described  in  the  chapter  entitled  "  Harvest- 
ing "  she  was  very  helpful.  A  number  of  those  who, 
during  January  and  February,  1856,  entered  upon  Christ's 
service  in  the  little  church  at  Westfield,  IS".  J.,  are  still 
faithful ;  others  have  entered  into  rest.  Not  a  few  peo- 
ple of  the  place  still  remember  with  gratitude  to  God 
that  visit  of  the  mother  of  the  young  pastor. 

The  second  field  of  labor  in  the  ministry  of  Mrs. 
James's  son  was  on  what  was  then  called  "  Crosswick's 
Circuit,"  embracing  five  preaching-places,  all  within 
twelve  miles  of  Trenton.  At  one  church  his  senior  col- 
league, the  Kev.  Joseph  M.  Pierson,  and  himself  held  a 
series  of  meetings.  After  these  had  been  continued  more 
than  two  weeks  with  little  apparent  result,  one  of  the 
wisest  and  best  men  on  the  charge  said  to  the  young 
preacher :  "If  I  had  been  consulted  in  regard  to  this 
matter,  I  should  have  advised  that  the  meetings  close 
last  Sunday  night.  I  do  not  believe  they  will  succeed." 
The  young  man  had  set  his  heart  on  souls,  and  had  ex- 
pected to  see  some  saved,  but  this,  from  one  so  much 
wiser  than  himself,  was  a  serious  set-back  to  his  faith. 
That  day  he  walked  six  miles  to  talk  the  matter  over 


SECOND  RESIDENCE  IN  TRENTON.  155 

with  his  mother.  After  conversation  the  two,  with  other 
members  of  the  family,  took  the  case  to  the  mercy -seat. 
There  light  and  hope  came.  That  evening  the  mother 
and  another  Christian  lady  went  with  the  preacher  to  the 
meeting.  Their  testimony  to  a  full  salvation  and  their 
appeal  to  Christians  to  draw  nearer  to  God  moved  a 
number  to  new  consecration.  The  next  evening  seven 
persons  presented  themselves  as  seekers  of  pardon,  and 
the  work  went  on  till  more  than  a  score  found  Christ, 
some  of  whom  are  still  pillars  in  the  little  church  at 
Hamilton  Square. 

While  the  work  was  progressing,  a  member  of  the 
church  said  to  the  young  minister :  "  I  had  no  faith  till 
that  night  when  seven  came  forward;  then  I  believed 
that  we  should  see  a  revival."  If  no  one  had  believed 
till  then,  there  would  have  been  no  revival.  In  how 
many  cases  faith  like  that  of  this  brother  rests  on  ap- 
pearances. How  much  better  the  confidence  of  the 
Christian  woman,  which  took  hold  of  God,  and  raised 
her  above  all  indications  seen  by  human  eyes. 

The  faith  of  this  earnest  follower  of  Christ  was  of  the 
sort  that  is  contagious.  On  one  occasion,  during  this 
residence  in  Trenton,  Mrs.  James's  pastor  came  to  her  on 
a  Saturday  quite  discouraged.  Special  meetings  had 
been  held,  but  there  seemed  to  be  little  interest.  Said 
the  excellent  man :  "  My  heart  is  so  sick  I  feel  as  if  I 
cannot  make  another  effort  to  call  sinners  to  Christ.  It 
is  all  of  no  use.  They  are  Gospel-hardened.  I  never 
saw  people  so  entirely  unmoved  by  the  appeals  of  the 
Gospel.     There  appears  to  be  no  feeling  whatever." 

Said  his  friend :  "  Don't  be  so  discouraged.  Your 
labors  are  not  in  vain.  The  darkest  hour  is  just  before 
the  dawn.     You  will  soon  see  light  arising  in  darkness. 


156  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.    JAMES. 

I  should  not  wonder  if  to-morrow  night  there  should  be 
a  breaking  down  of  the  hard  hearts  and  a  gracious 
shower  of  heavenly  influence." 

The  next  evening,  after  a  powerful  appeal  from  the 
pastor,  twelve  persons  sought  the  Savior.  Before  the 
effort  ended  more  than  one  hundred  had  united  with 
the  church.  Of  course  the  Christian  woman  co-operated 
with  the  pastor,  and  her  faith  in  God  gave  energy  to  her 
efforts.  On  that  first  evening  several  came  to  the  altar 
on  her  solicitation. 

Of  her  inner  life  Mrs.  James  writes,  February  5,  1860 : 

I  am  being  brought  by  a  sweetly  constraining  influence  more  and 
more  out  of  self,  and  away  from  all  human  agencies  and  influences, 
into  an  inner  and  spiritual  life,  a  life  emphatically  "hid  with 
Christ  in  God  ; "  to  know  more  intimately  Him  who  is  the  Alpha 
and  the  Omega,  the  power  of  His  resurrection  and  the  fellowship 
of  His  sufferings  and  the  glory  of  His  grace.  O  how  I  love  to  con- 
template the  majesty  and  the  blessedness  of  that  kingdom  which 
"  cometh  not  with  observation,"  which  is  "righteousness  and 
peace  and  joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost."  How  my  soul  exults  with  un- 
utterable gladness  to  find  it  is  "within"  me.  The  Almighty  King 
of  Zion  has,  indeed,  established  His  kingdom  in  my  heart,  and 
reigns  there  without  a  rival. 

I  had  some  sweet  musings  upon  this  blessed  passage  :  "  Thou 
wilt  keep  him  in  perfect  peace  whose  mind  is  stayed  on  Thee,  be- 
cause he  trusteth  in  Thee. "  Having  the  mind  stayed  on  God,  medi- 
tating upon  His  glorious  attributes  and  infinite  perfections,  inspires 
perfect  trust,  and  this  always  brings  peace. 

A  phase  of  Christian  effort  in  which  Mrs.  James  was 
greatly  interested  was  that  connected  with  the  union 
meetings  in  1858  and  '59.  The  fact  that  there  "the 
cold  name  of  sect  was  never  known,"  but  Christians  of 
different  denominations  mingled  with  perfect  freedom, 
made  the  scenes  of  those  gatherings  specially  dear  to 


SECOND  RESIDENCE  IN  TRENTON.  157 


her.  About  this  time  undenominational  work  first  took 
organized  form  in  the  "  Young  Men's  Christian  Associa- 
tion." The  feelings  of  Mrs.  James  in  regard  to  this 
organization  were  expressed  in  the  following  verses, 
which  were  printed  and  quite  extensively  circulated : 


Christian  Union. 


DEDICATED    TO    THE   YOUNG   MEN'S    CHRISTIAN   ASSOCIATION. 


How  sweet  to  see  a  Christian  band, 
United  all  in  heart  and  hand, 
In  blessed  fellowship  of  love, 
All  journeying  to  one  home  above, 

In  perfect  Christian  union  ! 

No  separating  wall  can  part 
Those  whom  the  Lord  hath  joined  in  heart, 
In  sacred  bonds  they're  firmly  joined, 
In  hallowed  intercourse  they  find 

A  precious  Christian  union  ! 

Christ  is  the  great  cementing  power, 
And  0  how  blissful  is  the  hour, 
When,  joined  in  worship  at  His  shrine, 
They  feel  the  influence  all  divine, 

Descend  to  bless  their  union  ! 

How  beautiful  is  Christian  love  I 
How  sweet  the  fellowship  we  prove 
Of  kindred  hearts,  in  Jesus  one, 
0  this  is  Heaven  on  earth  begun  ! 

This  glorious  Christian  union  ! 

While  yet  the  dying  words  of  the  Rev.  Dudley  A. 
Tyng,  of  Philadelphia,  were  ringing  in  the  ears  of  the 
people,  the  following  battle-hymn  was  written  by  Mrs. 
James : 


158  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 


u  Stand  ujy  for  Jesus!  " 

0,  young  men,  "  Stand  up  for  Jesus!  " 
Lift  the  blood-stained  banner  high! 

Fight  for  Him  as  valiant  soldiers ; 
In  God's  name  your  foes  defy ! 

He  will  help  you,  He  will  guide  you, 

He  will  give  you  victory ! 

Yes!  "  Stand  up,"  a  noble  army! 

War  against  the  powers  below ; 
Let  not  Satan's  host  alarm  you, 

God  can  mighty  power  bestow. 
Tou  will  conquer !     You  will  triumph ! 

On  to  glorious  conquest  go ! 

Never  fear !     ' '  Stand  up  for  Jesus !  " 
Speak  to  all  of  His  sweet  name, 

Tell  them  of  His  great  salvation, 
All  His  wondrous  love  proclaim ! 

Peace  and  pardon,  grace  and  glory, 

Through  the  precious,  dying  Lamb ! 

Never  be  ashamed  of  Jesus, 
"  Glory  "  ever  in  "  His  cross ; " 

Count  it  most  exalted  honor 
To  advance  His  blessed  cause. 

Hallowed  honors,  untold  blessings 

Cluster  round  the  Savior's  cross. 

What  are  all  earth's  fame  and  pleasures, 
What  but  gilded  nothingness, 

To  the  glorious,  fadeless  treasures, 
To  the  pure,  unfailing  bliss, 

Found  in  Jesus?    Precious  Jesus! 

All  His  "  paths  are  paths  of  peace." 

Christian  band,  "  Stand  up  for  Jesus!  " 
Plead  His  cause,  your  Savior  own ! 

Lo  !  He  now  your  cause  is  pleading, 
Standing  up  before  the  throne! 

He  will  own  you ;  He  will  claim  you, 

When  He  comes  with  angels  down. 


SECOND  RESIDENCE  IN  TRENTON.  159 

When  the  retinue  of  heaven 

Shall  in  matchless  grandeur  come, 
And  the  countless  hosts  of  mortals, 

Stand  to  hear  their  final  doom — 
Jesus  smiling,  saints  rejoicing — 
You  will  then  be  welcomed  home. 

Home,  to  dwell  with  holy  angels, 

Home,  where  saints  in  glory  reign, 
Home,  where  all  is  bright  and  joyous, 

Home,  where  there's  no  grief  nor  pain: 
Home  with  Jesus,  home  with  Jesus, 
Evermore  in  bliss  to  reign  ! 

About  this  time  Mrs.  James  became  intensely  inter- 
ested in  labor  in  behalf  of  fallen  women.  Quite  a  num- 
ber of  this  class  came  within  reach  of  her  influence  and 
some  were  greatly  helped.  In  a  few  instances  there  was 
permanent  reform  and  the  entrance  into  happy  home- 
life.  The  following,  from  the  pen  of  the  Kev.  O.  H. 
Hazard,  then  active  in  Christian  work  as  a  young  layman, 
now  a  Presbyterian  minister  in  Bound  Brook,  N.  J.,  ap- 
peared in  the  Ocean  Grove  Record^  January  5,  1884. 

11 A  Reminiscence  of  Mrs.  M.  D.  James. 

"The  writer  has  seldom  been  more  surprised  and  saddened  than 
when,  glancing  over  a  recent  copy  of  the  Record,  he  discovered  that 
Mrs.  Mary  D.  James  had  died.  As  her  name  is  intimately  associ- 
ated with  an  event  of  touching  interest  (knowD,  it  may  be,  to  but 
few  of  her  friends  and  admirers),  it  has  been  thought  proper  to 
narrate  it,  and  thus  add,  if  possible,  another  chaplet  to  the  memory 
of  one  so  dear  to  the  church  and  our  common  Savior. 

"Nearly  twenty-five  years  ago,  late  on  Saturday  night,  a  young 
woman  was  found  lying  on  a  cellar  door  on  Green  Street,  Tren- 
ton. She  was  helpless  and  stupid  from  intoxication.  A  police- 
man arrested  her,  and  conducted  or  wheeled  her  to  a  cell  in  the 


1G0  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

city  prison.  The  young  woman,  whose  name  was  Jane,  was  an  en- 
rolled member  of  a  mission  school,  established  in  a  destitute  por- 
tion of  the  city.  As  secretary  of  the  mission,  I  called  the  next 
morning  to  see  the  fallen  member.  As  I  entered  the  door  of  the 
narrow  cell  in  which  Jane  had  spent  such  a  doleful  night,  I  found 
her  sitting  upright  on  her  miserable  apology  for  a  bed,  her  hair 
disheveled,  her  head  resting  on  her  hands,  and  acutest  agony  pict- 
ured on  her  face.      Her  piteous  exclamation  was :  '  O  Mr.  H , 

I  cannot  live  in  this  way ! ' 

' '  Mrs.  James  and  another  excellent  lady  of  the  name  of  Marshall 
(now  deceased,  I  think)  interceded  in  behalf  of  the  forlorn  girl, 
and  succeeded  in  getting  her  into  the  Magdalen  Asylum  at  Twen- 
ty-first and  Kace  Streets,  Philadelphia.  A  soiled  and  mildewed 
letter,  written  by  Jane  shortly  after  her  admission,  lies  before  me. 
It  is  dated  at  the  Magdalen  Asylum,  February  21st;  no  year  is 
stated,  though  it  must  have  been  1859.  In  this  letter  she  speaks 
very  tenderly  of  Mrs.  James,  and  of  the  new  world  into  which  she 
had  been  ushered.  Just  one  extract  from  this  veteran  letter  will 
suffice :  '  Dear  ladies,  I  hope  you  will  believe  that  I  do  indeed  feel 
very  grateful  to  you  for  your  kindness  to  me,  and  I  am  sure  you 
will  be  glad  to  hear  that  the  Lord  has  given  me  strength  to  con- 
quer all  my  miserable  feelings.  I  begin  to  feel  like  myself  again.' 
In  a  letter,  dated  December  7,  1859,  written  to  the  secretary  of 
the  mission,  she  says :  '  Mrs.  James  was  here  to  see  me  on  Friday 
evening  last ;  I  was  very  glad  to  see  her.  She  takes  a  great  inter- 
est in  me.  She  has  been  a  very  kind  friend  to  me,  and  I  hope  that 
God  will  reward  her  richly  for  the  good  she  does.' 

"  Thus  was  the  busy  toiler  ever  on  the  alert  for  opportunities  to 
elevate  and  ennoble  our  suffering  humanity. 

"O.  H.  H." 

In  a  letter  dated  November  28,  1884,  the  Eev.  Mr. 
Hazard  says: 

"I  count  it  one  of  my  sweetest  privileges  to  have  known  your 
sainted  mother.  While  living  in  Trenton  our  paths  frequently 
crossed,  in  our  mutual  efforts  to  raise  the  fallen  and  mitigate  the 
sorrows  of  humanity.  We  were  brought  more  especially  together 
in  our  joint  endeavors  to  save  an  abandoned  young  woman  whose 


SECOND  RESIDENCE  IN  TRENTON.  161 

case  I  mentioned  in  an  article  in  the  Ocean  Grove  Record.  I  never 
knew  any  one  whose  face  shone  more  brightly  and  whose  heartbeat 
more  warmly  with  the  love  of  Christ  than  your  dear  mother's.  She 
was  indeed  our  Frances  Ridley  Havergal.  I  say  our,  for  Presbyter- 
ians claim  her  as  well  as  Methodists.  In  a  word,  I  never  expect  to 
meet  exactly  her  counterpart  on  this  side  of  glory." 


CHAPTER  II. 

THE   CHILDREN'S    HOME. 

It  was  in  connection  with  her  work  for  the  fallen  and 
depraved  that  Mrs.  James  became  impressed  with  the 
demand  in  Trenton  for  some  place  where  httle  children 
could  be  shielded  from  the  temptations  about  them  in 
their  miserable  quarters,  and  provided  with  suitable  food, 
proper  home  influences,  and  Christian  education.  The 
writer  was  pleased  to  find  among  the  papers  of  his 
mother  the  following  account  of  her  connection  with 
this  institution : 

Origin  of  the  Children's  Home  in  Trenton,  New  Jersey. 

In  my  walks  among  the  poor  in  the  city  of  Trenton,  over  twenty 
years  ago,  I  found  a  large  number  of  children  forlorn  and  wretched, 
some  orphans,  and  many  whose  inebriate  parents  were  incapable  of 
taking  care  of  them.  In  want,  degradation,  and  vice  they  were 
being  brought  up  to  be  pests  to  society.  To  rescue  the  perishing 
was  the  engrossing  desire  of  my  heart,  and  the  thought  was  sug- 
gested, doubtless,  by  His  spirit  who  came  "to  seek  and  to  save 
that  which  was  lost,"  that  I  might  put  forth  an  effort,  which,  by 
God's  blessing,  would  secure  a  home  for  those  poor  little  sufferers 
where  they  would  be  kindly  cared  for  and  trained  to  be  a  blessing 
instead  of  a  curse  to  the  community.  After  much  consideration 
and  earnest  prayer  for  divine  guidance  I  sought  advice  from  some 
of  my  best  and  most  judicious  friends,  who  encouraged  me  and 
promised  their  co-operation  in  the  proposed  effort.  Some  others 
who  heard  of  the  project  objected,  saying  that  the  Widow's  Home, 
which  had  been  organized  the  preceding  year,  was  enough  for  the 
city  to  support,  etc.     But  so  strong  was  my  conviction  that  to  pro- 


THE  CHILDREN'S  HOME.  163 

vide  a  home  for  destitute  children  would  be  pleasing  to  God  and 
that  He  would  put  it  into  the  hearts  of  the  people  to  sustain  it, 
that  I  resolved  to  set  about  the  work  in  good  earnest. 

When  this  determination  was  fully  fixed  and  I  started  to  act  upon 
it,  I  felt  such  an  assurance  of  the  divine  approval  that  I  was  jubi- 
lant in  the  undertaking,  and  from  that  moment  never  had  a  doubt 
of  success.  It  seemed  to  me  a  vivid  reality  that  the  Omnipotent 
One  was  at  my  side  every  step  I  took,  and  my  heart  was  strong  to 
do  his  bidding. 

I  wrote  notices  for  all  the  evangelical  churches,  twelve  in  num- 
ber, calling  a  meeting  of  the  ladies  of  the  city,  to  be  held  the  next 
afternoon  (Monday)  in  the  lecture-room  of  the  Third  Presbyterian 
Church. 

When  the  hour  for  the  meeting  arrived  rain  was  pouring  in  tor- 
rents, and  there  seemed  no  probability  that  ladies  would  go  out  in 
such  a  terrible  storm.  Yet  there  were  sixteen  there.  Of  course, 
they  were  of  the  kind  whose  hearts,  like  that  of  the  Divine  Re- 
deemer, were  touched  with  human  woe,  and  ready  to  make  sac- 
rifices to  relieve  the  wretched  and  save  the  outcast. 

What  was  most  remarkable  was  that  each  denomination  was 
represented.  I  cannot  now  remember  the  names  of  all  those  sixteen 
ladies,  but  I  recall  some  of  them:  Mrs.  G.  G.  Roney,  Miss  Rebecca 
Potts,  Miss  Margaretta  Potts,  and  Mrs.  Rev.  A.  K.  Street.  Those 
excellent  ladies  were  among  my  strongest  supporters  and  most 
valuable  helpers  from  the  first  step  that  was  taken. 

I  presented  a  paper  which  I  had  prepared,  setting  forth  the  great 
need  of  an  institution  to  protect  and  train  the  helpless  children  of 
the  poor,  which  was  listened  to  with  interest  and  at  once  acted 
upon.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  prepare  a  constitution,  and 
a  meeting  was  called  for  the  following  Monday.  Mrs.  Mary  D. 
James  was  requested  to  write  and  send  notices  for  all  the  churches. 
Mrs.  Roney  and  Mrs.  James  were  the  committee  to  draft  a  consti- 
tution. 

The  day  for  the  next  meeting  was  favorable  and  a  large  number 
were  present.  The  "Union  Ladies'  Society  of  the  Children's 
Home  "  was  then  organized.  The  constitution,  as  prepared  by  the 
committee,  was  adopted,  and  officers  were  elected.  Mrs.  G.  G.  Ro- 
ney, President ;  Miss  Rebecca  Potts,  Vice-President ;  Mrs.  Mary  D. 
James,  Secretary ;  Mrs.  Johu  R.  Dill,  Treasurer ;  with  a  Board  of 


1G4  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

Managers.  A  committee  was  appointed  to  canvass  the  city,  solicit- 
ing donations  and  subscriptions,  and  it  was  arranged  to  hold  a 
meeting  the  following  week  to  set  forth  to  the  public  the  institu- 
tion, with  its  object  and  aims. 

That  meeting  was  held  in  the  First  Presbyterian  Church.  It  was 
largely  attended.  Rev.  Mr.  Halliday,  from  the  Home  of  the  Friend- 
less in  New  York,  with  several  clergymen  of  the  city,  delivered 
very  effective  addresses,  as  did  also  the  mayor  of  the  city,  Mr.  P. 
S.  Mills,  whose  sympathies  and  aid  were  enlisted  in  our  behalf 
from  the  beginning  of  the  enterprise. 

The  effect  of  this  meeting  was  most  helpful  to  the  work.  The 
hearts  of  the  people  were  opened  to  the  new  enterprise,  and  when 
our  Soliciting  Committee  went  forth  they  were  greeted  with  wel- 
come, and  received  contributions  from  willing  hearts.  Our  success 
was  wonderful,  and  warranted  us  fully  in  taking  a  house  which 
seemed  providentially  prepared  for  us,  being  adapted  to  the  pur- 
pose, and  furnishing  it  without  delay.  In  just  eight  weeks  from 
the  day  that  the  society  was  organized,  the  Children's  Home  was 
opened  for  the  reception  of  inmates,  and  several  entered  on  that 
day.  An  excellent  matron  having  taken  charge — Mrs.  Wilkes — the 
children  were  well  cared  for,  and  the  institution,  so  nobly  sustained 
from  its  beginning,  continued  to  prosper. 

Soon,  however,  we  began  to  feel  the  importance  of  having  a 
house  of  our  own.  One  day  Professor  Phelps,  Principal  of  the 
Normal  School,  who  from  the  first  had  been  one  of  the  warmest 
friends  of  the  enterprise,  called  on  me  and  said  he  had  been  talk- 
ing with  Mr.  Roebling,  and  found  him  greatly  interested  in  our 
benevolent  work,  and  he  had  expressed  a  desire  that  we  should 
purchase  a  house.  If  we  would  start  a  subscription  for  this  object 
he  would  head  the  list  with  one  thousand  dollars.  This  was  cheer- 
ing news  to  us,  and  we  at  once  resolved  to  make  the  effort,  which 
was  successful.  A  house  just  adapted  to  our  wants  was  in  readi- 
ness— another  marked  providence  of  God — and  we  purchased  it, 
the  same  now  occupied  as  the  Children's  Home. 

Mr.  Roebling  paid  the  salary  of  our  teacher  and  made  donations 
frequently.  At  one  of  our  anniversary  meetings  he  gave  us  a 
happy  surprise  by  canceling  a  mortgage  of  one  thousand  dollars, 
thus  making  the  Home  free  from  debt.  Of  the  subsequent  liberal 
bequest  of  that  noble  friend,  so  noted  for  his  large-hearted  benevo- 


THE  CHILDREN'S  HOME.  165 

lence,  the  institution  is  still  reaping  the  benefit,  while  we  trust  he 
is  reaping  in  brighter  realms  the  rich  reward  of  those  who  consider 
the  poor. 

I  held  the  office  of  secretary  until  my  removal  to  Boston  in  18G3, 
and  was  succeeded  in  the  office  by  Mrs.  Appleton,  wife  of  the  Rev. 
Mr.  Appleton. 

I  cannot  close  this  sketch  without  alluding  to  the  valuable  aid 
we  received  in  the  beginning  of  our  good  work  from  A.  G. 
Richey,  Esq.,  Chancellor  Green,  now  passed  away  to  his  reward 
above,  and  John  R.  Dill,  Esq.,  as  well  as  Mrs.  Dill,  who  has  proved 
so  valuable  and  faithful  an  officer  for  so  many  years.  Rev.  Dr. 
Hall,  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  Rev.  Mr.  Duane,  of  the  Epis- 
copal Church,  now  in  the  upper  temple,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Wright,  of 
the  Baptist  Church,  all  gave  us  excellent  counsel  and  great  encour- 
agement. 

I  have  always  inquired  with  deepest  interest  in  regard  to  the  Chil- 
dren's Home,  and  have  been  delighted  to  hear  of  its  prosperity. 
Few  of  my  early  associates  in  the  work  so  dear  to  my  heart  remain 
in  the  Board  of  Managers.  They  were  noble  women  whose  record 
is  on  high.  Several  of  them  have  gained  the  reward  of  the  right- 
eous in  the  kingdom  above,  where  I  trust  we  shall  all  meet  when 
our  life-work  shall  have  ended. 

That  it  may  be  said  to  us  in  the  great  day  by  the  Almighty  Judge, 
"Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servants,  enter  ye  into  the  joy  of 
your  Lord,"  prays  your  friend, 

Maky  D.  James. * 

There  lies  before  the  writer  of  this  volume  a  copy  of 
the  First  Annual  Report  of  the  Managers  of  the  Union 
Industrial  Home  Association  for  Destitute  Children  of 
Trenton,  New  Jersey.  It  was  written  by  Mrs.  Mary  D. 
James,  the  secretary,  in  December,  1859.  The  impor- 
tance of  this  effort  in  behalf  of  homeless  waifs,  from  the 
very  beginning,  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  during  the 


*  The  engraved  facsimile  of  Mrs.  James's  autograph  under  her  portrait  was  made 
from  that  affixed  to  this  document. 


166  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

first  year  of  its  existence  fifty  children,  thirty-five  boys 
and  fifteen  girls,  found  there  a  shelter ;  some  of  them, 
however,  only  for  a  short  time.  At  the  end  of  the  first 
year  twenty-four  little  ones  still  continued  to  receive  at- 
tention, but  nine  had  been  transferred  to  respectable  fam- 
ilies, where  the  managers  had  reason  to  believe  they 
would  be  kindly  treated  and  properly  trained.  The 
reader  can  imagine  the  joy  with  which  the  secretary 
wrote : 

The  inmates  of  the  Home  have  been  brought  under  such  salutary 
influences  as  have,  by  the  divine  blessing,  already  wrought  a  happy 
transformation  of  habit  and  character  in  many  cases.  It  is  well 
known  that  the  class  we  seek  to  benefit  embraces  the  most  unprom- 
ising, because  the  most  depraved  and  degraded.  Yet  we  find  that 
even  those  who  seem  to  partake  of  the  ferocious  nature  of  wild, 
untamed  animals,  or  rather  of  demons,  may  be  influenced  by  kind 
treatment  and  the  teachings  of  the  Gospel,  and  many  such  have 
become  docile  and  tractable,  changed  from  the  lion  to  the  lamb. 

Some  incidents  of  the  personal  work  of  Mrs.  James  in 
this  Home  will  be  found  in  the  chapter  entitled  "  Among 
Little  People." 

At  the  first  public  anniversary  of  the  Home,  Professor 
William  F.  Phelps,  then  Principal  of  the  New  Jersey 
State  Normal  School  in  Trenton,  read  a  paper,  in  which, 
among  other  expressions  of  appreciation  of  the  work 
which  these  ladies  were  accomplishing,  he  remarked : 

"It  seems  to  have  been  reserved  for  you  to  institute  those  meas- 
ures of  practical  benevolence  which  every  community  owes  to  itself 
to  carry  on,  and  which  are  designed  to  strike  a  radical  blow  at  those 
monster  evils  which  threaten  the  very  existence  of  our  social  fabric. 
Let  me  close  by  congratulating  you  upon  the  success  of  what  was  to 
you  a  doubtful  experiment,  and  upon  the  bright  promises  of  a  more 
auspicious  future." 


THE  CHILDREN'S  HOME.  167 

In  the  report  of  Mrs.  James  allusion  is  made  to  the 
liberality  of  a  citizen  of  Trenton.  This  is  the  widely 
known  civil  engineer,  Mr.  John  A.  Eoebling,  builder  of 
the  "first  bridge  across  the  Niagara  Kiver,  and  projector 
of  that  over  the  East  Kiver  at  New  York,  whose  death 
occurred  in  connection  with  the  latter  work.  Not  only 
did  he  make  the  first  donation  of  one  thousand  dollars 
received  by  this  charity,  and  afterward  double  this 
amount,  but  he  endowed  the  institution  with  a  fund  of 
thirty  thousand  dollars,  the  proceeds  of  which  are  still 
helping  forward  its  noble  work.  This  public-spirited 
man  was  only  one  of  the  hundreds  to  whom  this  enter- 
prise at  once  commended  itself,  and  who  have  since  mani- 
fested the  deepest  interest  in  it. 

A  few  months  since  the  twenty-seventh  anniversary  of 
the  Home  was  held  in  the  Taylor  Opera  House,  Trenton. 
The  secretary,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  D.  Bell,  in  her  annual  re- 
port remarks : 

"  It  is  not  necessary  to  bring  these  little  people  before  you  to  re- 
mind you  of  the  existence  of  this  excellent  charity,  for  your  remem- 
brance is  evidenced  constantly  by  donations  of  various  kinds.  We 
know  it  has  a  hold  on  your  hearts,  because  your  hands  respond  so 
cheerfully  to  our  calls  for  assistance.  Our  object  is  rather  to  give 
you  a  realizing  sense  of  what  has  been  done  with  your  contributions, 
with  the  hope  that  seeing  these  fifty-seven  happy  faces  will  so  stir 
your  feelings  that  you  will  desire  to  have  the  number  greatly  in- 
creased ;  for  the  managers  well  know  that  many  more  need  to  be 
saved  from  ignorance  and  evil  ways." 

At  this  anniversary  meeting  Mr.  T.  A.  Bell,  who  con- 
ducted the  exercises,  said,  in  regard  to  the  Home,  as  re- 
ported in  a  local  paper : 

"Before  it  was  started  one  of  the  newspapers  asked  if  there  was 
really  need  of  such  an  institution  here.     The  question  seems  absurd 


168  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

now.  .  .  .  This  newspaper  asked  several  other  questions  at  the 
same  time  in  connection  with  the  subject,  desiring  to  know  if  the 
women  could  obtain  control  over  the  children  and  if  they  would  be 
able  to  overcome  the  peculiar  difficulties  besetting  the  beginning  of 
such  an  enterprise.  These  questions,  the  speaker  said,  surprised 
him.  There  is  a  debt  of  gratitude  owing  the  ladies  that  can  never 
be  paid.  Mr.  Bell  read  the  names  of  the  ladies  who  started  the 
home  and  framed  its  policy,  alluded  to  those  who  have  died,  and 
predicted  that  the  work,  so  well  begun  by  them,  would  be 
continued." 

Hundreds  of  little  people  have  here  found  a  temporary- 
home.  Many  of  them  have  gone  from  this  to  positions 
of  comfort,  and  some  have  grown  up  to  be  good  citi- 
zens. Still,  year  by  year,  it  cares  for  from  fifty  to  sixty 
neglected  children. 

A  large  and  well-appointed  building  is  soon  to  be  erect- 
ed for  a  gathering-place  for  the  ever-increasing  number 
of  needy  little  ones  in  this  growing  city.  This  building 
will  doubtless  be  a  credit  to  the  capital  of  New.  Jersey. 
No  less  will  it  be  a  monument  to  the  wise  Christian  ef- 
fort of  the  ladies  that  founded  it,  and  especially  of  the 
subject  of  this  memoir,  who  originated  the  enterprise,  and 
amid  such  discouragements  continued  her  efforts  until 
success  was  assured.  She  claimed  no  such  honor,  yet  it 
was  a  life-long  joy  to  her  that  her  Father  in  heaven  per- 
mitted her  to  do  this  much  for  these  objects  of  His  care. 
In  its  far-reaching  consequences,  this  work  was  probably 
the  greatest  committed  to  this  servant  of  the  Lord  Jesus. 


CHAPTER  III. 

PATRIOTISM. 

The  reader  must  not  imagine  that  the  subject  of  this 
memoir  was  so  absorbed  Avith  religion  as  to  be  a  cipher 
in  the  affairs  which  interest  persons  of  less  spirituality. 
Her  ardent  nature  entered  into  all  the  concerns  of  life 
with  real  zest,  and  she  was  ever  ready  to  give  time, 
energy,  and  money  to  whatever  promised  good  to  her 
fellow-beings. 

As  we  have  seen,  the  recollections  of  her  mother's 
childhood  connected  Mrs.  James  with  the  struggle  of  our 
ancestors  for  independence.  She  watched,  with  close  at. 
tention,  the  events  of  the  nation's  progress,  and,  while 
she  was  never  a  politician,  had  her  views  in  regard  to 
public  questions.  When  the  nation  was  plunged  into 
war  with  Mexico,  as  stated  in  another  chapter,  two  of 
her  brothers  became  commissioned  officers  in  the  army. 
Her  hatred  of  war  would  have  caused  her  to  use  what- 
ever influence  she  might  have  brought  to  bear  to  keep 
those  so  dear  to  her  from  engaging  in  its  cruel  work,  but 
when  her  brothers  decided  to  become  soldiers,  she  did  all 
in  her  power  to  cheer  and  inspire  them.  She  sought  also 
to  instill  into  the  minds  of  her  children  love  of  their  coun- 
try, admiration  for  its  form  of  government,  and  patriotic 
devotion. 

During  the  long  period  of  discussion  in  regard  to 
slavery  all  the  sympathies  of  this  warm  heart  were  with 
the  oppressed ;  and,  without  being  identified  with  any 
8 


170  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

abolition  movement,  she  was  one  of  the  many  hundreds 
who  longed  and  prayed  for  the  overthrow  of  the  system 
which  rendered  wretched  so  many  lives.  The  feelings 
which  she  had  cherished  through  long  years  found  ex- 
pression in  the  following  descriptive  poem  which  ap- 
peared in  a  New  England  newspaper  during  the  war : 

Slave  Mart  and  Auction   Block. 

Thoughts  suggested  by  seeing  the  sign  of  the  Charleston  Slave 
Mart  and  the  Steps  to  the  Auction  Block,  exhibited  in  Music  Hall, 
Boston,  on  the  evening  of  March  9,  1865. 

What  do  I  see  ?    Four  gilded  letters — "  Mart." 
The  import  what  ?    Ah,  to  the  slave's  poor  heart 
What  sorrow  did  it  give,  what  anguish  send  ! 
What  sorer  grief,  what  deeper  woe  portend  ! 
Beings  immortal,  God's  own  image,  sold 
As  goods  and  chattels,  or  dumb  beasts,  behold  ! 

What  mean  those  steps,  all  stained  with  bitter  tears  ? 
O'er  those  the  victims  passed,  trembling  with  fears, 
With  grief  convulsed,  up  to  the  auction  block, 
Which  to  their  being's  center  caused  a  shock 
That  rent  the  fibers  of  the  tender  heart ; 
For  there,  the  cruel  doom  was  sealed,  to  part 
With  those  they  loved  as  life,  to  meet  no  more, 
Till  the  dark,  dreary  day  of  life  was  o'er. 

What  scenes  were  those  !  what  pencil  could  portray 
The  parting  on  the  dreadful  auction  day, 
When  mothers  from  their  tender  babes  were  driven, 
And  fondest,  strongest  human  ties  were  riven  ? 
O  who  can  tell  the  crushing  weight  of  woe 
Those  steps  have  borne  ?  or  who  describe  the  flow 
Of  scalding  tears,  that  oft  upon  them  poured, 
From  heart-wounds  deeper  than  the  lash  had  scored 
In  the  poor  quivering  flesh  ?    Omniscient  God  ! 
Thy  vengeance  slumbered  long,  but  0  Thy  rod 
Falls  heavily  upon  oppressors  now  ! 
Just  retribution  !     God  inflicts  the  blow  : 


PATRIOTISM.  171 

He  metes  to  them  in  fearful  measure  full, 

That  which  they  measured  out  to  each  sad  soul  : 

Those  cruel  wrongs  His  searching  eye  had  seen, 

Those  deeds  of  crime  from  Him  they  could  not  screen. 

Lo  !  now  He  comes,  in  dreadful  majesty 

To  avenge  those  wrongs  and  set  the  captives  free. 

How  changed  the  scene  !     How  wondrous,  how  sublime  ! 

That  vilest  spot,  of  basest,  foulest  crime, 

Rebellion's  birth-place,  see  it  bearing  now 

Our  nation's  glorious  flag  on  Sumter's  brow  ! 

Our  country's  blight  removed,  Slavery's  foul  stain 

Erased,  no  more  to  curse  the  land  again. 

The  Charleston  slave  mart  now  is  seen  no  more  ; 

The  grief  and  tears  and  pangs  it  caused  are  o'er  ; 

Its  gilded  sign  suspended  in  a  hall 

Of  Boston,  Massachusetts  !  that  of  all 

The  States  most  hated  by  the  traitorous  band, 

But  dear  to  loyal  hearts  through  all  our  land. 

Just  are  Thy  judgments,  great,  tremendous  God  I 
Righteous  are  all  Thy  ways,  and  true  Thy  Word. 
To  Thee  all  knees  shall  bow,  all  tongues  be  still, 
While  Thou  shalt  work  Thy  glorious  sovereign  will. 
Amen  !  amen  !  Ride  on,  all -conquering  King  ! 
To  our  revolted  world  redemption  bring  ! 
Now  by  the  sword  Thy  work  Thou  hast  begun, 
0  let  the  great  stupendous  work  be  done  ! 
Sin's  vile  pollution  sweep  from  earth  away, 
Let  all  the  nations  own  Thy  sovereign  sway, 
Set  up  Thy  kingdom  here,  of  peace  and  love, 
Thy  will  be  clone  below  as  done  above. 

"When  the  civil  war  actually  broke  out,  as  will  be  read- 
ily supposed,  this  ardent  nature  was  all  aglow  with 
patriotism.  Her  brother,  Captain  Joseph  A.  Yard,  re- 
garded his  military  experience  in  Mexico  as  a  trust  which 
he  must  use  for  his  imperiled  country,  and  was  among 
the  first  to  offer  his  services  in  response  to  President  Lin- 
coln's call  for  volunteer  soldiers.     He  used  his  political 


172  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

and  social  influence  to  induce  men  to  enlist,  and  was 
chosen  captain  of  a  company  in  one  of  the  first  regiments 
organized.  One  of  his  sons  was  a  major  in  a  New  Jer- 
sey regiment,  and  six  other  sons,  for  a  longer  or  shorter 
time,  devoted  themselves  to  the  military  service.  One, 
the  Rev.  Robert  B.  Yard,  was  for  nearly  three  years  a 
most  efficient  chaplain. 

Living  at  the  capital  of  one  of  the  loyal  States,  Mrs. 
James  was  brought  into  close  contact  with  the  work  of 
equipping  and  sending  out  soldiers  and  providing  for 
their  comfort. 

Extracts  from  letters  written  in  those  stirring  times 
will  recall  scenes  that  ought  not  to  pass  into  oblivion, 
and  give  facts  of  heart-history  akin  to  that  of  myriads  in 
those  days. 

Our  city  is  in  a  state  of  tumultuous  excitement  about  the  war. 
[The  names  of  a  number  of  relatives  about  to  enter  the  service  are 
mentioned,  and  the  letter  continues.]  Eight  hundred  are  going 
through  Trenton  to-day  on  their  way  to  Washington,  and  our  com- 
panies will  go  in  a  few  days.  O  how  many  bleeding  hearts  will 
our  city  contain!  Mothers,  wives,  daughters,  and  sisters  parting 
with  loved  ones,  perhaps  to  meet  them  no  more  on  earth.  It  is 
thought  by  many  that  the  struggle  will  be  an  awful  one  and  many 
lives  will  be  sacrificed.  How  it  sickens  my  heart  to  think  of  it  ! 
How  Christians  should  be  pleading  with  God  in  behalf  of  our  dis- 
tressed country  !  I  can  scarcely  think  of  any  other  interest,  my 
heart  is  so  burdened  with  my  country's  troubles.  I  feel  a  strong 
impulse  to  go,  should  our  men  engage  in  conflict,  and  help  to  nurse 
the  sick  and  wounded.  O  would  it  not  be  a  blessed,  though  a  pain- 
ful task,  to  minister  to  the  poor  sufferers,  our  own  dear  country- 
men and  kindred  !  To  soothe  and  comfort  them,  and  point  them 
to  Jesus,  the  good  physician,  and  whisper  in  their  ears  the  precious 
promises  of  the  Gospel.  It  seems  to  me  I  cannot  stay  away  from 
them  if  a  battle  should  take  place. 

I  am  going  to  have  our  men  each  presented  with  a  pocket  Testa- 


PATRIOTISM.  173 

ment.  Will  it  not  be  a  blessed  thing  for  each  of  them  to  take  the 
precious  Word  of  Life  ?  It  is  a  just  and  righteous  cause  to  defend 
our  beloved  country,  and  I  could  not  say  to  any  one,  however  dear 
to  me,  ''Don't  go."  If  I  were  a  man  I  should  not  hesitate  a  mo- 
ment.    I  would  go  and  try  to  do  all  in  my  power  for  my  country. 

A  few  days  later  she  writes  in  a  similar  strain : 

You  cannot  imagine  what  a  tumult  we  have  been  in.  The  day 
the  troops  left  was  one  such  as  I  desire  never  to  witness  again. 

The  parting  scene  was  heart-rending.    Your  poor  Aunt  M has 

seemed  almost  overwhelmed  with  grief,  yet  she  has  been  wonder- 
fully sustained  since  their  departure.  One  night,  while  thinking  of 
parting  with  her  husband  and  four  sons,  she  felt  as  if  her  heart 
must  break,  and,  in  the  depths  of  her  anguish,  she  went  to  the 
mercy-seat  and  poured  out  her  soul  in  prayer  to  God.  While  she 
was  pleading  for  help  and  comfort  from  on  high  the  Comforter 
came  and  filled  her  sorrowing  heart  with  the  rich  and  blessed  con- 
solations of  the  Gospel. 

The  restoration  to  this  relative  of  the  joy  of  salvation 
was  a  preparation  for  her  removal  to  the  better  world, 
which  occurred  not  very  long  after. 

We  have  had  a  fine  company  of  men  from  Salem  quartered  close 
by  us  in  St.  Michael's  chapel.  The  Perry  Street  ladies  supplied 
them  with  bedding  and  many  little  comforts,  for  which  they  were 
very  grateful.  I  pasted  the  lines  addressed  to  the  volunteers  in 
their  little  Testaments.  Several  of  them  came  over  to  see  me  and 
thanked  me  for  the  verses.     Among  them  was  a  young  man  by  the 

name  of  C P .     He  expressed  much  gratitude  to  me,  and 

seemed  to  be  a  very  interesting  young  man.  I  asked  him  if  he  had 
given  his  heart  to  God.  He  replied:  "No,  I  have  not.  For  years 
I  have  thought  much  upon  the  subject  of  religion,  but  I  have  not 
become  a  decided  Christian."  I  said  :  "Is  it  possible  you  are 
going  to  place  yourself  in  circumstances  of  so  much  danger  without 
having  God  for  your  Protector  and  Friend  ?  "  Tears  filled  his  eyes, 
he  sighed  heavily,  and  looked  at  me  with  such  an  expression  as 
deeply  moved  my  heart.     I  said  :  "Will  you  please  tell  me  your 


174  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

name  ?  I  wish  to  know  it,  for  I  intend  to  pray  for  you  every  day." 
I  then  urged  upon  him  to  give  his  heart  to  God,  and  he  said  : 
' '  Mrs.  James,  will  you  please  write  to  my  mother  ?  I  have  a  pray- 
ing mother.  She  is  a  good  woman,  and  is  much  concerned  about 
me.  I  think  it  would  be  a  great  comfort  to  her  if  you  would  write 
a  letter  to  her.1'  I  replied  :  "I  will  do  so  with  pleasure."  He 
gave  me  her  address.  I  said  :  "  Shall  I  tell  her  your  mind  is  made 
up  to  give  your  heart  to  God  and  to  seek  now  the  pardon  of  your 
sins  ?  "  After  a  moment's  hesitation,  with  a  look  of  deep  solemnity, 
he  replied  :  "Yes,  you  may  tell  her  so."  .  .  .  Many  of  that 
company  were  pious  men,  some  of  them  class-leaders  in  our  church. 
They  had  prayers  night  and  morning,  and  conducted  themselves 
witli  much  propriety  during  their  stay  among  us.  Just  before  they 
left,  about  twenty-five  of  them  came  over  to  our  door  and  sang  the 
lines  I  had  given  them,  and  bade  me  an  affectionate  farewell.     I 

have  just  been  writing  to  Mrs.  P ,  and  inclosed  a  copy  of  the 

piece  upon  which  her  son  set  so  high  an  estimate.  If  ever  I  wrote 
anything  that  was  an  effusion  from  my  heart  that  piece  was  such. 
It  was  pasted  in  the  Testaments  of  several  companies  and  was  dis- 
tributed among  the  soldiers.  There  were  more  than  three  thousand 
copies  printed,  and  many  came  and  asked  for  them  before  there  was 
opportunity  to  make  a  general  distribution.  It  was  sung  in  Green 
Street  church  as  the  closing  hymn  after  a  most  impressive  sermon 
to  the  soldiers. 

The  following  is  the  poem  alluded  to  as  so  widely 
distributed  among  and  so  highly  prized  by  the  soldiers : 

To  the  New  Jersey  Volunteers. 

Go,  ye  noble  sons  of  freedom  ! 

Go,  your  country  to  defend  ! 
Go,  and  God,  "  the  God  of  nations," 

Will  your  onward  march  attend  ! 

Go,  our  husbands,  sons,  and  brothers  ! 

Go,  though  loving  hearts  be  rent ! 
Though  our  tears  will  flow  in  torrents, 

And  our  life  in  grief  be  spent. 


PATRIOTISM.  175 

Go,  obey  your  country's  summons, 

'Tis  a  noble,  glorious  cause  ! 
Go,  defend  its  sacred  interests 

Ye  will  have  our  warm  applause  ! 

Patriot  bands,  may  Heaven  bless  you, 

Jesus  be  your  strong  defense  ! 
The  Almighty's  wing  your  refuge, 

Shielded  by  Omnipotence  ! 

We,  your  sisters,  wives,  and  mothers, 
Ceaseless  send  to  heaven  our  prayer 

That  the  God  of  love  and  mercy 
Will  to  us  our  loved  ones  spare. 

Prayers,  like  clouds  of  incense  rising, 

Compass  the  Eternal  Throne. 
God  will  hear  His  pleading  children, 

God  will  guide  and  guard  His  own. 

If,  amid  the  dreadful  conflict 

You  should  fall,  we'll  look  above. 
Trust  in  Him  who  helps  the  helpless, 

Trust  in  Him,  the  God  of  love. 

Only  give  us  this  assurance, 

You  will  fall  in  Jesus'  arms, 
And  be  borne  to  that  blest  country 

Where  are  heard  no  war's  alarms. 

Then  we'll  hope  again  to  meet  you 

On  that  bright  celestial  shore, 
There  with  rapturous  joy  to  greet  you 

Where  we'll  part  again  no  more. 

Just  after  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Kun  this  Christian 
patriot  writes : 

When  the  news  came  of  the  disastrous  defeat  of  our  army,  with 
a  loss  of  five  thousand  men,  as  it  was  first  reported,  your  father 
came  in  pale  and  trembling,  almost  fainting,  and  sat  down  over- 
whelmed with  sorrow  and  dismay.  I  said  to  him,  "Is  the  Lord 
dead?     Does   not  the   Lord   God   Omnipotent   live  and   reign?" 


176  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

"  Yes,"  he  replied.  I  said,  "  And  is  He  not  on  our  side?  "  He  said, 
"Yes."  "And  will  He  not,  then,  make  even  this  seeming  disaster 
work  for  our  ultimate  good  ?"  "Yes,"  said  he,  "  and  I  feel  like 
praising  Him."     He  was   lifted  up,  and  from  that  time  seemed 


The  soldiers  to  whom  allusion  was  made  above,  re- 
sponded to  the  call  for  volunteers  for  three  months. 
Their  enthusiastic  friend  thus  writes  of  the  return  of 
those  who  went  from  Trenton  : 

The  troops  have  come,  and,  sick  as  I  was,  I  had  to  go  down  town 
when  I  heard  the  cannon  firing  as  a  signal  of  their  arrival.  And 
such  a  sight!  more  like  colored  men  than  white,  so  forlorn  in  their 
appearance,  completely  worn  out  with  fatigue,  loss  of  sleep,  and 
excitement.  Poor  fellows!  Every  one  who  looked  upon  them 
seemed  to  feel  more  than  words  could  express.  They  were  greeted 
with  tears  by  many.  .  .  .  You  never  heard  such  cheering  as 
your  uncle  received  all  the  way  as  he  marched  with  the  troops,  and 
afterward,  when  they  dispersed.  Crowds  gathered  round  him, 
cheering  him,  and  seeming  ready  to  take  him  in  their  arms.  It  was 
a  scene  of  great  interest  to  witness  the  enthusiasm  of  the  multitude, 
evincing  their  appreciation  of  the  bravery  and  valuable  services  of 
our  noble  Jerseymen. 

The  following  letter  to  a  young  friend,  a  Christian  vol- 
unteer, in  some  way  came  back  to  her  and  is  among  her 
papers : 

Trenton,  Oct.  3,  1861. 
Dear  Brother  in  Christ  : 

I  write  to  inform  you  that  I  have  sent  a  book  to  be  delivered  to 
you.  I  had  procured  a  number  of  books  and  tracts  for  the  soldiers, 
all  of  which  had  been  distributed  among  New  Jersey  Volunteers 
except  the  volume  I  have  sent  you.  In  thinking  of  you  as  a  soldier 
of  our  country  and  as  a  soldier  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  I  have  felt 
a  desire  to  present  you  with  this  book,  The  Life  of  Captain  Eedley 
Vicars.     I  earnestly  pray  that,  by  God's  blessing,  it  may  be  the 


PA  TBIOTISM.  ITT 

means  of  leading  you  to  a  close  walk  with  Christ  and  a  life  of  great 
usefulness  to  your  fellow-soldiers !  May  you  follow  the  beautiful 
example  of  the  devoted  young  captain  who  so  zealously  labored  for 
the  salvation  of  his  fellow-men,  and  exemplified  so  strikingly  the 
power  of  true  religion  !  O  my  brother,  be  watchful  and  prayerful, 
ever  ' '  looking  unto  Jesus."  Then  you  will  be  strong  to  labor  for 
God  and  ' '  a  good  soldier  of  Jesus  Christ. " 

In  being  loyal  to  your  country  and  taking  up  arms  in  its  de- 
fense you  are  acting  a  noble  part ;  but  to  be  loyal  to  your  God  and 
fight  valiantly  in  His  cause  is  noble  and  glorious  above  the  power 
of  language  to  express.  In  order  to  be  successful  you  must  have 
on  the  whole  armor  of  God.  To  be  clothed  with  that  blessed  ar- 
mor you  must  be  very  diligent  in  reading  the  Word  of  God  and  in 
prayer.  I  know  your  opportunities  for  secret  devotion  are  very 
limited,  but  you  can  lift  your  heart  to  God  at  all  times,  and  it  is  the 
heart  that  he  looks  upon,  not  the  position  of  the  body.  Yet  it  is 
very  desirable  and  important  to  be  alone  in  prayer  as  often  as  your 
circumstances  will  allow. 

May  heaven  bless  you,  and  amid  the  dangers,  toils,  and  priva- 
tions of  your  soldier-life  may  you  abide  beneath  the  shadow  of  the 
Almighty,  and  in  the  covert  of  His  wing  "make  your  refuge  until 
these  calamities  be  overpassed  !  " 

With  Christian  regard, 

Mary  D.  James. 

The  war  had  been  in  progress  about  two  years  when 
intimations  were  given  that  the  son  of  Mrs.  James  might 
be  invited  to  become  the  chaplain  of  one  of  the  regiments 
from  his  native  State.  The  mother  went  at  once  to  visit 
the  young  man,  then  pastor  of  the  church  at  Harrison- 
ville,  N.  J.  None  but  those  who  passed  through  the 
experience  of  parting  with  nearest  relatives  can  know  the 
intensity  of  that  mother's  feeling  as  she  thought  of  send- 
ing forth  her  only  son  to  a  soldier's  life,  yet  in  those 
hours  of  their  communion  not  one  word  was  spoken  to 
dissuade  the  young  man  from  obeying  what  he  believed 
to  be  a  divine  call.     Wise  and  earnest  were  her  counsels 


178  THE  LIFE  OF  MllS.   JAMES. 

and  fervent  were  her  prayers  that  he  might  be  helped  in 
his  novel  and  peculiar  work. 

While  the  arrangements  for  the  young  minister's  en- 
trance into  the  chaplaincy  were  pending,  the  second 
battle  of  Fredericksburg  occurred,  and  the  colonel  who 
had  suggested  his  appointment  was  wounded.  This 
caused  delay,  and  when  the  newly  commissioned  chap- 
lain went  to  see  his  mother  in  Trenton  she  was  suffering 
intensely  from  erysipelas,  seriously  affecting  her  eyes,  of 
course,  involving  danger  to  the  brain,  and  so  complicated 
with  heart-disease  as  to  endanger  life  itself.  Yet  her 
words  were  full  of  cheer  and  hope. 

Not  until  after  the  above  had  been  written  did  that 
son  find  among  his  mother's  memoranda  the  following 
record  of  the  struggle  that  parting  cost  her : 

On  the  evening  of  May  27,  1863,  I  had  retired  early,  quite  ex- 
hausted from  fatigue  and  excitement,  having  seen  much  company 
and  being  still  very  feeble.  My  husband  came  in  about  nine 
o'clock,  bringing  a  letter  from  our  son,  which  informed  us  of  his 
appointment  to  a  chaplaincy  in  the  army.  Although  I  had  been 
previously  apprised  of  the  probability  that  such  an  event  would 
take  place,  and  knew  that  he  felt  it  his  duty  to  accept  the  position 
if  offered,  and  approved  it,  believing  it  was  by  God's  direction,  yet, 
being  so  weak  and  nervous,  I  was  thrown  into  great  agitation  by 
this  intelligence.  As  I  began  to  realize  that  he  was  going,  the 
hardships,  privations,  and  perils  of  army-life  were  presented  to  my 
mind  in  the  most  formidable  aspect.  I  thought,  "  How  can  I  bear 
that  my  precious  only  son,  so  tenderly  reared,  so  frail  in  health, 
should  be  thus  exposed  ?  I  suffered  much  in  the  contemplation  of 
what  was  before  him,  and  thought,  O  that  I  had  not  heard  this 
sad  news  till  morning,  for  I  am  so  unable  to  bear  it.  Now  I  shall 
lie  awake  all  night,  and  shall,  no  doubt,  be  very  sick  again.  And 
then  the  parting  scene !  How  shall  I  bear  that  ?  It  will  be  too 
much  for  my  frail,  sinking  frame  to  endure.  Just  then,  when  my 
heart  was  so  full  of  sorrow  and  my  burdens  seemed  about  to  crush 


PATRIOTISM.  179 

my  spirit,  my  blessed  Comforter  appeared  and  said :  ' '  Cast  thy 
burden  upon  the  Lord,  and  He  shall  sustain  thee."  Sweet  assur- 
ances were  given  that  my  dear  son  was  precious  in  His  sight,  that 
He  would  have  him  in  His  special  keeping;  that  no  evil  should 
befall  him,  and  that  God  would  be  glorified  in  a  signal  manner  by 
his  going  into  the  army.  In  a  moment  I  was  enabled  with  perfect 
confidence  to  commit  him  into  His  hands  to  whom  I  had  dedicated 
him  from  his  birth,  and  sank  down  into  sweet  submission  to  His 
will.  My  spirit  became  calm  and  peaceful,  and  soon  my  nerves 
were  quieted.  I  asked  that  I  might  have  a  night  of  sweet  repose, 
that  I  might  be  refreshed  and  strengthened  for  the  coming  day. 
The  words  came:  "And  so  He  giveth  His  beloved  sleep."  Imme- 
diately I  fell  into  a  delightful  slumber  which  was  unbroken  through 
the  night.  In  the  morning  I  arose  with  more  physical  strength, 
and  with  my  heart  full  of  praise  to  the  covenant-keeping  God.  On 
the  following  day  my  son  came  to  see  us  and  we  had  refreshing 
communion.  How  my  heart  rejoiced  to  think  lie  is  called  of  God 
to  a  work  of  such  vast  importance;  to  serve  the  interests  of  his 
beloved  country  and  God's  cause — a  twofold  and  glorious  object. 

As  the  time  approached  for  him  to  leave  I  felt  a  great  dread  of 
the  parting  scene,  but  the  sweet  words  were  spoken  to  my  heart : 
"In  the  time  of  trouble  He  shall  hide  me  in  His  pavilion."  When 
he  came  to  bid  us  adieu  I  was  calm ;  no  agitation  of  spirit  and  no 
nervous  excitement.  The  tears  flowed  at  parting,  but  I  felt  no 
deep  grief;  my  mind  was  stayed  on  God,  and  the  precious  promise 
that  had  been  given  me:  "There  shall  not  a  hair  of  his  head 
perish,"  kept  in  my  thoughts,  and  I  felt  confident  of  his  perfect 
safety  beneath  the  shadow  of  the  Almighty. 

No  wonder  the  mother  manifested  such  calmness  in 
the  parting  hour.  She  had  been  to  the  Omnipotent  for 
strength  and  He  gave  "  power  to  the  faint." 

In  one  of  her  first  letters  to  her  soldier  boy  she  alludes 
to  alarming  news  which  had  reached  New  Jersey,  that 
the  division  to  which  he  belonged  had  been  captured, 
and  to  the  great  distress  of  his  father  and  sisters,  but 
adds : 


180  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

I  had  committed  my  loved  one  into  the  care  of  the  covenant- 
keeping  God  and  had  been  assured  by  His  word  that  He  would 
suffer  no  evil  to  befall  him,  and  when  the  terrific  news  came  my 
soul  was  kept  in  perfect  peace,  for  my  trust  in  God  was  unwaver- 
ing. I  heard  the  report  in  your  father's  absence,  and  when  he 
afterward  came  in,  looking  as  if  he  had  lost  every  friend  on  earth, 
I  greeted  him  with  a  smile  and  exclaimed:  "  The  Lord  liveth,  and 
blessed  be  my  Rock  and  let  the  God  of  my  salvation  be  exalted !  " 
His  sad  countenance  brightened  in  an  instant,  and  his  heart  was 
reassured  of  the  glorious  truth  that  "He  that  dwelleth  in  the 
secret  place  of  the  Most  High  shall  abide  under  the  shadow  of  the 
Almighty."  When  your  letter  came  assuring  us  of  your  safety  our 
hearts  were  filled  with  gratitude  and  joy.  Although  I  had  expected 
you  would  be  saved  from  harm,  I  felt  a  thrill  of  delight  that  words 
cannot  describe  to  see  from  your  own  dear  hand  the  words,  "I 
am  gloriously  safe."  Yes,  my  darling  son,  you  are  gloriously  safe 
in  God's  keeping,  and  you  will,  by  His  help,  be  gloriously  useful  to 
the  poor  soldiers  to  whom  you  minister. 

My  heart  has  always  felt  happy  in  thinking  of  you  as  a  herald  of 
salvation,  the  blessed  and  exalted  office  to  which  I  consecrated  you 
from  your  birth,  but  never  have  I  felt  so  high  a  degree  of  joy  as 
since  you  went  to  bear  the  message  of  salvation  to  the  soldiers 
in  our  army.  Emotions  too  great  for  words  swell  my  heart  when 
I  think  my  own  dear  son  fills  a  position  doubly  useful  in  serving 
both  God  and  our  country,  working  for  the  salvation  of  souls  and 
for  the  cause  of  our  Union.  ...  I  am  confident  that  the  di- 
vine blessing  will  attend  you,  and  that  great  and  eternal  good  will 
be  the  result.  You  may,  however,  have  to  encounter  difficulties 
that  will  try  your  soul  to  the  utmost.  You  may  be  brought  to 
know  something  of  the  fellowship  of  Christ's  sufferings  in  order 
that  you  may  know  Him  more  fully  and  "the  power  of  His  resur- 
rection "  and  "  be  made  conformable  unto  His  death."  But,  with 
Jesus  infinitely  near,  suffering  is  sweet,  hard  things  are  easy,  rough 
places  smooth,  privations  pleasant,  darkness  light,  and  death  the 
gate  to  eternal  life. 

Surely  no  soldiers  were  ever  blessed  with  such  sisters, 
wives,  and  mothers  as  those  who  gave  to  their  country 


PATRIOTISM.  181 

the  men  that  bore  arms  in  that  struggle  for  union  and 
freedom.  What  those  soldiers  owed  to  the  letters  from 
and  the  prayers  of  the  Christian  women  at  home  will 
never  be  known  until  we  read  the  records  of  eternity. 
The  work  of  this  servant  of  God  wTas  not,  like  that  of 
many  of  her  sisters,  at  the  front,  amid  the  horrible 
sounds  of  strife  or  the  sad  scenes  of  the  hospital.  Yet 
she  was  active,  with  others,  in  all  those  agencies  which 
meant  the  comfort  and  help  of  the  men  who  were  strug- 
gling, dying,  for  the  flag  she  loved,  and  her  prayers  went 
up  with  the  myriads  that  were  answered  in  the  final 
victory. 

The  feelings  inspired  by  the  beginnings  of  victory  are 
indicated  in  such  passages  as  the  following,  from  a  letter 
just  after  the  triumphs  of  the  Union  army  at  Gettysburg 
and  Vicksburg : 

The  recent  victories  to  our  army  furnish  cause  for  warmest  grat- 
itude and  continued  praise  to  Him  whose  own  almighty  arm  has 
interposed  for  us  and  is  subduing  our  enemies.  Surely  it  is  by  the 
might  of  His  arm  and  His  infinite  wisdom  and  skill  in  turning  the 
counsels  of  the  rebellious  host  to  foolishness,  and  we  will  give  Him 
the  glory.  Well  may  we,  with  confidence  unwavering,  trust  all  our 
interests  in  His  hands.  .  .  .  Fearful  clouds  are  gathering  in  our 
Northern  horizon,  threatening  devastation  and  ruin  on  every  hand, 
yet  we  will  "  trust  and  not  be  afraid."  The  dreadful  riots  in  every 
direction  are  filling  the  people  with  dismay  and  they  are  expecting 
hourly  an  outbreak  here  in  our  city.  A  riotous  mob  is  more  to  be 
dreaded  than  a  Southern  army,  so  far  as  our  safety  is  concerned. 

One  extract  from  a  letter  to  her  chaplain  son  will  show 
the  reader  how  deep  was  her  sense  of  the  responsibility 
pressing  upon  him,  and  how  faithful  were  her  counsels  in 
regard  to  the  important  work  committed  to  him. 

The  magnitude  of  your  work  and  responsibility  of  your  position 
seem  to  me  overwhelming,  and  it  is  only  by  very  close  union  with 


182  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

• 

Jesus  and  constant  reliance  upon  Him  alone  that  you  can  fulfill  the 
diviue  requisition  and  withstand  the  influences  so  opposed  to  God 
and  the  work  of  soul-saving.  It  is  heart-sickening  to  hear  of  the 
backslidings  and  unfaithfulness  of  many  chaplains.  When  in  New 
York  I  heard  this  subject  spoken  of.  It  is  attributed  to  the  fact 
that  chaplains  associate  so  much  with  officers  and  neglect  the  men ; 
treat  them  as  their  inferiors,  and  manifest  a  spirit  so  contrary  to 
that  of  their  divine  Master.  This  alienates  the  men  from  them  and 
destroys  their  confidence  in  religion.  I  would  rather,  my  dear  son, 
that  you  should  even  be  looked  upon  with  contempt  by  the  officers 
than  for  a  single  one  of  the  poor  privates  to  be  neglected  by  you,  or 
feel  that  you  kept  aloof  from  him  because  of  your  position.  While 
a  degree  of  dignity  should  be  maintained  by  the  chaplain,  great 
care  should  be  used  to  show  the  men  that  you  sympathize  with 
them,  and  that  they  may  consider  you  as  their  best  friend,  to  whom 
they  may  have  free  access  at  any  time.  If  I  had  not  reason  to  be- 
lieve that  you  thus  act  toward  them  I  should  feel  very  unhappy  and 
should  fear  the  frown  of  God  would  be  upon  you. 

In  June,  1864,  the  regiment  with  which  the  young 
chaplain  had  been  connected  was  mustered  out  of  the 
service,  and  he  was  permitted  to  greet  again  his  wife 
and  two  little  girls,  one  born  in  his  absence,  and  with 
them  visit  the  parents  and  sisters,  then  in  Massachusetts. 
Great  was  the  joy  and  gratitude  of  the  reunited  circle. 
The  patriotic  mother,  in  whom  love  of  souls  was  the 
strongest  feeling,  rejoiced  especially  that  the  chaplain 
had  been  permitted  to  lead  some  soldiers  to  enlist  under 
the  banner  of  the  cross.  Some  of  these  had,  while  clad 
in  what  proved  to  be  their  grave-clothes,  heard  the  mes- 
sage of  salvation  and  secured  the  crown  of  endless  life. 
Mother  and  son  have  always  regarded  the  army  work  of 
the  latter  as  paramount  in  interest  and  importance  to  any 
he  has  been  permitted  to  do.  It  was  heaven-appointed 
and  divinely  blessed.  The  prayers  of  the  patriotic  Chris- 
tian woman  were  answered.     To  God  alone  be  glory  1 


CHAPTER   IV. 

IN      NEW      ENGLAND. 

For  about  ten  years  Mr.  James  continued  to  prosecute 
his  watch  business  in  Trenton  with  considerable  success. 
Then  it  seemed  to  him  desirable  to  make  a  change.  He 
had  long  been  devoting  special  attention  to  certain  im- 
provements in  the  construction  of  time-keepers.  Upon 
some  of  these  he  had  secured  letters-patent.  He  consid- 
ered them  of  so  much  value  as  would  commend  them  to 
watch  manufacturers,  and  thought  it  important  for  him 
to  be  near  the  great  establishments  in  this  business  in 
New  England.  He  therefore  disposed  of  his  store  in 
Trenton,  and,  with  his  wife  and  daughters,  removed  to 
Boston,  Mass.,  in  the  autumn  of  1863.  The  feelings  of 
his  wife  are  described  and  commented  upon  in  a  journal 
made  at  the  time,  and  quoted  in  Fifty  Years'  Walk  with 
Jesus. 

The  separation  from  valued  friends  and  relatives  was  very  afflict- 
ing; and  when  I  found  myself  among  entire  strangers,  and  alone  in 
regard  to  social  intercourse  and  fellowship,  there  was  a  feeling  of 
desolation  which  I  had  never  known  before.  I  had  always  felt  com- 
passion for  strangers,  but  I  said,  in  my  loneliness,  I  shall  have  a 
deeper  feeling  for  them  ever  after  this,  for  now  I  know  the  heart 
of  a  stranger.  Confident  that  we  were  there  by  God1s  own  appoint- 
ment, I  dared  not  hesitate  to  take  the  bitter  cup  which  was  after- 
ward given  me,  as  from  His  own  gracious  hand. 

The  dark  way  before  us  was  portrayed  in  a  singular  way.  I  was 
sitting  in  quiet  contemplation  one  day,  when  a  kind  of  vision  passed 
before  my  mind.     A  little  child,  led  by  the  hand  of  its  father,  was 


184  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

passing  along,  when  suddenly  coming  to  a  dark  passage  or  alley,  the 
father  attempted  to  take  the  child  in,  but  he  drew  back  as  if  terri- 
fied, crying  out,  "Oh,  I  can't  go  through  that  dark  place!"  The 
father  looked  at  him  with  surprise  and  grief,  saying,  "My  child, 
I  am  with  you  ;  won't  you  trust  me  ? "  Then  the  little  one  looked 
up  into  his  father's  face  and  smiled,  saying,  "Yes,  father,  I  will 
trust  you,"  and  went  on  without  hesitation.  Wondering  what  this 
meant,  I  pondered  it  in  my  heart  for  hours  after. 

On  the  evening  of  the  same  day  it  was  all  explained.  An  event 
occurred  which  threw  me  into  the  greatest  consternation  and  gloom. 
I  exclaimed,  "  Oh,  this  is  too  much  !  I  can't  bear  it !  "  Instantly  the 
vision  came  before  me  again:  I  was  the  little  child,  and  my  loving 
Father  was  leading  me  into  the  dark  place,  and  I  unwilling  to  go ! 
My  Father's  voice  then  spoke  intenderest  love,  saying,  "I  am  with 
you ;  won't  you  trust  me  ?  "  My  heart  exclaimed,  "Yes,  my  Father, 
I  will  trust  and  not  be  afraid !  "  In  a  moment  the  tempest  of  my 
grief  was  assuaged,  a  heavenly  calm  came  over  me,  and  I  was  per- 
fectly willing  to  suffer  what  a  few  minutes  before  seemed  unendur- 
able. I  was  borne  through  the  trial  so  sweetly  and  gently  that  I 
scarcely  felt  its  severity,  but  was  thanking  and  praising  God  for  His 
wondrous  grace,  which  so  caused  me  to  "triumph  in  Christ." 

When  some  peculiar  trial  comes,  the  result  of  the  ugliness  and 
wilfulness  of  some  selfish,  unkind  disposition,  how  prone  we  are  to 
look  at  the  one  who  inflicts  the  wound,  and  not  think  our  Father 
permits  this  for  our  good.  How  often  I  have  heard  Christians  say, 
"If  it  had  been  a  providential  trial,  a  bereavement  or  sickness,  or 
anything  in  the  order  of  God's  dispensations,  then  I  could  bear  it ; 
but  this  is  something  that  God  has  nothing  to  do  with.  It  comes 
from  the  ugliness  of  human  nature,  and  I  can't  be  reconciled." 

Ah !  this  is  a  delusion  of  the  grand  Deceiver,  to  trip  the  child  of 
God  and  cause  him  to  fall.  Nothing  can  possibly  happen  but  what 
is  under  His  notice,  and  He  would  not  permit  evil  persons  to  afflict 
His  children  if  He  did  not  intend  to  bring  good  out  of  it.  "Let 
him  curse  me,  for  the  Lord  hath  bidden  him,"  said  one  of  God's 
servants  of  old.  Many  a  time  He  sees  we  need  to  be  "cast  down," 
that  self  may  be  abased  and  God  glorified  by  our  being  more  fully 
fitted  for  the  Master's  use. 

There  were,  in    the    providential    circumstances   sur- 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  185 

rounding  the  strangers,  many  things  that  tended  to  re- 
lieve the  first  feeling  of  depression.  In  a  letter  to  her 
son,  then  in  the  army,  she  writes  of  the  pleasant  rooms 
in  which  their  own  furniture,  sent  from  Trenton,  had 
been  arranged  so  as  to  be  homelike,  of  guests  in  the 
large  boarding-house  who  had  given  kindly  greeting  to 
the  new-comers,  and  especially  of  the  cordiality  of  their 
reception  by  Christian  people  whom  they  met  in  Boston. 
Several  pastors  extended  to  them  invitations  to  unite 
with  their  churches.  Among  these  was  Kev.  J.  A.  M. 
Chapman,  of  the  Hanover  Street  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  who  greeted  them  "  with  great  warmth  and 
kindness."  Of  some  of  her  first  social  meetings  Mrs. 
James  writes  : 

On  Saturday  evening  I  attended  a  meeting  for  the  promotion  of 
holiness  in  his  [the  Rev.  Mr.  Chapman's]  church.  ...  It  was 
a  precious  season,  and  I  was  much  comforted  and  refreshed.  The 
members  seem  to  be  living  Christians.  After  the  meeting  several 
spoke  to  us  very  cordially,  and,  finding  we  were  strangers,  invited 
us  to  join  their  church.  ...  On  Tuesday  evening  we  attended 
a  general  class  at  which  there  was  a  fuller  attendance  of  the  mem- 
bers. There,  also,  a  flood  of  heavenly  influence  came  down.  Many 
a  warm  response,  many  exclamations  of  l '  Glory  to  God  ! "  and 
"Hallelujah  !"  burst  from  the  warm  hearts  of  the  Savior's  fol- 
lowers. Well,  thought  I,  if  the  Yankees  are  cold-hearted,  as  they 
are  called,  I  wonder  where  warm-hearted  Christians  can  be  found. 

Not  alone  among  Methodists  did  this  liberal  spirit  find 
friends.  In  one  of  her  early  letters  she  mentions  the 
following  incident : 

Last  evening  when  passing  through  the  hall  I  heard  a  sweet, 
pensive  tune  on  the  piano,  and  a  voice  singing.  Stopping  to  listen 
to  the  words  I  heard : 

"Jesus,  I  my  cross  have  taken, 

All  to  leave  and  follow  thee,"  etc. 


1S6  THE  LIFE  OF  MBS.  JAMES. 

I  was  delighted,  and,  upon  inquiry,  found  it  to  be  a  lady  who  is 
a  member  of  a  Unitarian  church  who  was  singing  that  precious 
hymn  so  expressive  of  ardent  love  to  Jesus.  I  afterward  went  into 
the  parlor,  and  another  lady  proposed  that  we  sing  ; 

"  Depth  of  mercy,  can  there  be 
Mercy  still  reserved  for  me  ?  " 

with  the  chorus  "God  is  Love."  As  I  sang,  with  several  others, 
those  blessed  words,  I  felt  such  divine  influence  thrilling  my  soul 
that  it  seemed  to  me  all  present  must  have  felt  it.  I  afterward 
requested  the  lady  who  had  sung,  "Jesus,  I  my  cross  have  taken," 
to  sing  it  again,  and  related  the  circumstances  under  which  it  was 
composed  and  first  sung.  The  Unitarian  lady  and  her  husband 
seemed  to  be  specially  pleased  with  the  narration,  and  remarked 
that  the  hymn  had  been  a  favorite  with  them. 

After  much  prayerful  consideration  of  the  question  of 
their  church  relation  the  family  united  with  the  Brom- 
field  Street  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  then  under  the 
pastorate  of  the  Rev.  Charles  N.  Smith,  with  whom 
their  Christian  intercourse  was  most  pleasant.  It  was 
their  good  fortune  to  be  assigned  to  the  care  of  the  Hon. 
Jacob  Sleeper,  as  class-leader,  and  then  commenced  a 
friendship  highly  prized,  interrupted  only  by  the  death 
of  Mrs.  James,  and  doubtless  to  be  continued  through 
all  eternity. 

A  favored  "  child  of  the  King,"  moving  in  a  humble 
sphere,  with  whom  the  subject  of  this  memoir  became 
delightfully  associated  very  soon  after  her  removal  to  the 
New  England  city,  was  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Munroe.  With 
this  good  woman  it  was  the  privilege  of  Mrs.  James  to 
make  a  large  circle  acquainted  through  the  little  volume 
entitled  * Mother  Munroe  ;  or,  The  Shining  Path.  In  the 
introduction  to  this  book  the  author  remarks  : 

*  Published  by  James  H.  Earle,  178  Washington  Street,  Boston. 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  187 

At  a  meeting  for  the  promotion  of  holiness,  held  in  the  chapel 
of  the  Old  South  Church,  in  Boston,  I  saw  an  aged  woman  whose 
peculiar  attire  attracted  my  attention.  I  thought.  There  is  one  of 
the  old-fashioned  Methodists  who  were  quite  numerous  many  years 
ago,  but  now  are  so  rare  that  to  see  one  is  a  real  curiosity.  The 
meeting  had  not  advanced  far  when  the  plain  old  lady  arose  and 
stated  briefly  her  happy  experience  of  the  power  of  Christ  to  save 
to  the  uttermost.  I  was  impressed  with  her  simplicity  and  hu- 
mility, and  especially  with  the  divine  unction  which  attended  her 
testimony.  "There  is  one  of  my  Savior's  precious  jewels,"  I  said 
in  my  heart,  "  and  I  must  seek  an  early  acquaintance  with  her." 

I  asked  a  lady  at  my  side:  "Who  is  that  aged  woman  who  just 
spoke  ?  "  "  Why,  that  is  Mother  Munroe, "  she  replied.  ' '  I  guess  you 
are  a  stranger  in  Boston,  for  everybody  here  knows  Mother  Mun- 
roe." I  said:  "I  have  but  recently  come  to  the  city,  but  I  have 
heard  of  that  good  woman,  and  hope  I  shall  not  long  be  a  stranger 
to  her." 

The  two  Christian  women  soon  met,  to  the  joy  of  both, 
and  of  many  who  through  the  little  volume  have  become 
familiar  with  the  Quaker  bonnet,  the  quaint  earnestness, 
and  the  happy  Christian  experience  of  the  good  old  lady. 

Mr.  James,  as  well  as  his  wife,  was  deeply  interested 
in  the  promotion  of  Christian  holiness,  and  their  parlor 
at  the  boarding-house  soon  became  the  rally ing-place  of 
a  company  of  kindred  spirits.  Rich  were  the  manifesta- 
tions of  the  divine  favor  upon  those  Tuesday  afternoon 
meetings  there  held. 

It  was  in  connection  with  these  meetings,  however,  that 
a  duty  devolved  upon  this  conscientious  woman  in  some 
respects  more  painful  than  any  other  that  she  was  ever  re- 
quired to  perform.  At  the  gatherings  alluded  to  and  in 
more  intimate  intercourse  wTith  some  who  attended  them, 
she  found  that  they  were  holding  and  propagating  senti- 
ments which  she  could  not  approve.  She  subsequently 
came  to  know  that  they  had  drifted  into  strange  fanati- 


188  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

cism  and  extravagance,  both  as  to  doctrine  and  conduct. 
Here  appeared  the  Christian  courage  elsewhere  men- 
tioned as  behind  the  gentleness  and  love  ever  shining  in 
the  spirit,  words,  and  acts  of  this  disciple  of  Jesus.  She 
felt  called  upon  not  only  to  labor  with  those  whom  she 
regarded  as  having"  fallen  into  error,  but  to  warn  others 
of  the  snare  and  seek  to  guard  their  feet  from  stumbling. 
Kindly,  and  always  in  a  Christian  spirit,  yet  faithfully 
and  unflinchingly,  with  voice  and  pen,  were  the  errors 
exposed.  Her  feelings  in  regard  to  this  matter  are 
shown  in  a  paper  which  seems  to  be  a  copy  of  part  of  a 
letter  to  one  who  was  being  drawn  into  the  coils  of  the 
destroyer : 

Had  I  failed  to  warn  those  who  are  exposed  to  that  snare,  I 
should  have  felt  guilty  in  the  sight  of  God ;  as  much  so  as  if  I  had 
failed  to  warn  one  who  was  about  to  take  poison,  and  who  I  knew 
was  ignorant  of  its  nature  and  effects,  allowing  the  poor  victim  to 
swallow  the  fatal  draught.  Soul-poison  is  incomparably  more 
dreadful,  and  he  who  would  allow  one  to  receive  it  and  not  admon- 
ish him  of  its  ruinous  nature  is  worse  than  a  murderer. 

After  speaking  of  those  who  had  taught  the  doctrines 
regarded  as  so  far  from  right,  she  continues : 

You  know  of  the  awful  developments  in  the  cases  of  some  of 
their  disciples — the  legitimate  fruits  of  their  pernicious  views ;  just 
as  I  told  them  when  my  heart  wras  aching  and  bleeding  on  account 
of  their  having  been  led  away  from  the  blessed  teachings  of  God's 
Word.  I  said,  "The  result  of  this  will  be  sin  and  destruction." 
Has  it  not  proved  true  ? 

Sad  cases  are  cited,  and  the  writer  adds : 

Had  I  not  endeavored  to  save  them  from  that  awful  snare,  my 
conscience  would  smite  me  now  with  severest  reproach.  I  am 
truly  thankful  that  I  did  try  to  open  their  eyes  to  the  danger,  but, 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  189 

alas !  they  had  gone  too  far  into  the  labyrinth  of  Satan's  devices. 
The  father  of  lies  had  so  deceived  them  they  could  not  be  extri- 
cated.    O  how  I  prayed  for  them ! 

Allusion  is  made  to  the  way  in  which  the  young  friend 
addressed  has  been  drawn  into  the  snare ;  but,  says  the 
faithful  one : 

Many  an  earnest  prayer  has  gone  up  for  you  to  our  loving  Father 
that  He  would  cover  you  with  His  hand  and  not  let  you  become  a 
victim  of  the  Destroyer.  Had  I  been  favored  with  an  opportunity 
to  warn  you  before  you  were  entirely  under  the  influence,  I  should 
have  tried  to  guard  you ;  but  it  was  too  late.  I  have  reason  to 
believe,  however,  that  you  have  never  fallen  into  sin ;  but  that  you 
have  imbibed  an  error  which  must  involve  the  greatest  danger  of 
sin  I  have  learned  from  various  sources.  It  is  this,  namely,  that 
being  entirely  under  the  control  and  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit, 
Satan  cannot  exert  any  influence  over  you,  and  therefore  every  im- 
pulse and  desire  must  be  divinely  prompted  and  must  be  unhesi- 
tatingly obeyed.  This  is  the  fatal  rock  on  which  thousands  have 
been  wrecked,  and  which  caused  the  ruin  of  the  persons  named. 

Some  who  have  gone  far  into  wrong  are  mentioned  as 
having  begun  with  this  mistake,  and  the  writer  expresses 
her  sense  of  the  peril  in  these  words : 

I  have  read  and  seen  and  known  so  much  of  the  disastrous 
results  of  this  very  idea  which  has  obtained  among  some  of  the 
best  of  Christians,  that  I  am  as  much  afraid  of  it  as  I  am  of  its 
author,  the  Deceiver  of  men.  When  people  believe  that  they  are 
infallible,  then  they  are  in  the  most  imminent  danger. 

If  any  reader  has  classed  the  subject  of  this  memoir 
with  "  Perfectionists,"  the  above  statements  will  remove 
the  misapprehension.  The  only  perfection  that  she  con- 
ceived possible  for  human  beings  in  this  life  is  that  of 
love.  This,  as  she  was  conscious  in  herself,  is  always 
mixed  with  so  many  defects  of  judgment  and  will,  that 


190  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

she  never  would  have  thought  of  saying,  "  I  am  per- 
fect." 

Some  of  those  whom  this  defender  of  the  truth  warned 
did  not  heed  the  warning,  and  their  friends  will  never 
cease  to  regret  the  injury  to  them  and  to  Christ's  cause 
that  resulted. 

Not  long  since,  in  conversation  with  the  writer  of 
these  pages,  a  Christian  gentleman,  not  a  Methodist, 
familiar  with  all  the  circumstances  now  under  considera- 
tion, spoke  of  this  phase  of  the  work  of  Mrs.  James  in 
Boston  with  evident  feeling,  and  expressed  gratitude  to 
God  that  she  had  been  so  faithful  in  this  delicate  but 
important  work  for  the  Master  whose  cause  was  in  peril. 

It  subsequently  gave  this  lover  of  truth  great  joy  to 
find  some,  who  were  at  first  inclined  to  be  deluded,  com- 
ing to  see  the  right  way.  Long  after,  she  reported  to 
her  son  the  statement  of  one  such,  that  in  her  case 
"  those  objectionable  things  have  all  been  laid  aside,  and 
she  thinks  it  would  have  been  very  wrong  to  have  con- 
tinued them.  She  thinks  it  blessed  that  they  are  done 
away.", 

The  writer  of  this  volume  would  have  preferred  that 
it  should  go  forth  without  any  allusion  to  this  always 
painful  subject,  but  deemed  it  a  matter  of  simple  justice 
to  his  mother's  memory  to  say  this  much. 

The  chapter  entitled  "  In  the  Furnace  "  gives  some 
details  of  trials  through  which  Mrs.  James  was  permitted 
to  pass  during  her  stay  in  New  England.  There  her 
husband  was  robbed,  their  confidence  was  abused  by 
people  who  had  been  taken  into  their  home,  the  health 
of  their  eldest  daughter  received  the  shock  from  which  it 
never  recovered,  the  husband  passed  through  a  severe 
and  alarming  illness,  and  their  property  nearly  all  melted 


IN  NEW  ENGLAND.  191 

away.  Many  of  the  scenes  of  their  stay  in  Boston  were 
dark  indeed.  To  the  human  eye  there  seems  little  to 
relieve  the  gloom.  Yet  it  was  in  connection  with  this 
removal  that  the  son  was  introduced  to  New  England, 
where  for  more  than  a  score  of  years  he  has  been  per- 
mitted to  labor  in  the  Christian  pastorate.  Other  events 
also  hinged  upon  that  change  in  the  circumstances  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  James,  which  have  ever  since  been  reason  for 
devout  gratitude  to  God.  The  whole  matter  must  be 
left  where  the  subject  of  this  memoir  left  it — with  Him 
whose  "  ways  are  past  finding  out,"  but  all  whose  deal- 
ings she  recognized  to  be  prompted  by  infinite  wisdom 
and  fatherly  love.  Her  severe  trials,  she  believed,  drove 
her  nearer  to  Christ  and  caused  His  likeness  to  be  more 
deeply  graven  upon  her  character.  In  that  world  where 
all  mysteries  shall  be  cleared  up,  this  may  be  seen  to 
have  been  of  infinitely  more  importance  than  any  enjoy- 
ments or  any  apparent  successes  could  have  been. 

Just  as  this  manuscript  is  being  prepared  for  the  press 
the  following  testimony  is  received  in  regard  to  the  help- 
fulness of  the  subject  of  this  memoir  to  one  now  whom 
she  met  as  a  young  Christian  during  those  months  in 
Boston.  It  is  from  the  Rev.  John  D.  Pickles,  now  pastor 
of  the  Common  Street  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
Lynn,  Mass. 

"  I  shall  always  account  it  a  blessing  from  God  that  I  was  per- 
mitted to  know  and  enjoy  the  friendship  of  Sister  James.  I 
thought  her  the  most  rounded  and  symmetrical  Christian  charac- 
ter, the  most  exemplary  illustration  of  the  doctrine  of  Christian 
holiness,  I  ever  knew.  How  faithfully  she  warned  me  of  the  danger 
of  departing  from  the  written  Word,  and  pointed  to  many  who  had 
made  shipwreck  of  faith  by  imagining  they  were  Spirit-led,  apart 
from  and  independent  of  the  oracles  of  God.     They  were  indeed 


192  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

led  by  a  spirit,  but  it  was  a  spirit  from  beneath  and  not  from 
above. 

"Your  mother's  visits  were  prized  indeed.  She  walked  and 
talked  in  a  spiritual  atmosphere  because  she  walked  and  talked 
with  God.  I  treasure  her  memory,  and  feel  that  my  own  spiritual 
life  owes  much  to  her  influence  and  counsel." 


CHAPTER  Y. 

ONCE   MORE   IN    NEW   JEESET. 

The  temporary  sojourn  in  New  England  did  not  result 
as  anticipated.  Mr.  James's  business  prospects  were 
dark  indeed,  and  he  was  well-nigh  disheartened.  The 
daughter,  who  died  months  later,  was  slowly  recovering 
from  typhoid  fever  and,  with  her  mother,  was  visiting 
friends  in  Trenton,  N.  J.,  when  the  latter  wrote : 

It  does  seem  now  that  we  have  come  to  an  extremity.  Will  it 
not  be  God's  opportunity  ?  Surely  He  will  interpose  in  our  behalf. 
He  will  not  suffer  us  to  be  confounded  when  we  have  so  fully 
trusted  in  Him.  He  is  our  ' '  Rock  and  our  Fortress,  and  our  Deliv- 
erer; our  God  ;  in  Him  we  will  trust." 

Not  long  after,  Mrs.  James  received  what  seemed  a 
new  revelation  of  the  meaning  of  the  words  "Our 
Father,"  which  she  had  just  uttered  in  beginning  a 
prayer.  In  Fifty  Years'  Walk  with  Jesus  she  quotes, 
from  a  journal  kept  at  the  time,  an  account  of  this  mani- 
festation of  God  and  its  influence  upon  herself  and  her 
husband,  and  the  gracious  interposition  by  which  they 
were  led  back  to  the  city  in  which  most  of  their  life  had 
been  spent. 

"  Our  Father  "  had  been  repeated  by  my  lips  thousands  of  times, 
with  some  appreciation  of  the  blessed  import  of  the  expression,  but 
now  the  wealth  of  its  meaning  burst  upon  my  soul,  as  the  glory  of 
the  meridian  sun  breaking  through  a  dark  cloud  in  its  fullness  of 
splendor.  I  was  amazed  and  overpowered  by  the  vast  treasure  I  had 
9 


194  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

now  come  to  apprehend  as  my  right  by  virtue  of  my  relation  to  God 
as  His  child.  "  The  God  of  the  universe  is  Our  Father  !  "  I  ex- 
claimed, "and  He  has  promised  to  '  supply  all  our  need,  according 
to  His  riches  in  glory  by  Christ  Jesus.'  "  "All  our  need,"  that 
comprehends  everything,  both  for  body  and  soul.  And  just  then 
such  a  revelation  of  His  love  tome  as  His  child  filled  me  with  ex- 
ultant joy.  The  hallowing  influence  was  shared  by  my  husband, 
and  we  mingled  our  joyful  tears  and  thanksgiving,  adoring  Our 
Father  for  the  bounteous  provision  he  had  made  for  us,  which, 
though  invisible  now,  yet  certain  to  be  meted  out  to  us  as  we 
should  have  need.  The  promissory  notes  of  Our  Father  would  be 
available  to  us  at  any  time.  What  if  we  could  not  see  the  money  ? 
the  notes  were  just  as  good.  There  could  be  no  failure  in  God's 
promises. 

No  words  can  express  the  exuberant  delight  of  that  hallowed 
hour,  when  "the  substance  of  things  hoped  for  and  the  evidence 
of  things  not  seen,"  became,  through  "faith,"  a  living,  tangible 
reality.  "Glory  and  praise  to  Our  Father !  Hallowed  be  Thy  name !  " 
I  said  again  and  again,  with  grateful  love  welling  up  from  the 
depths  of  my  soul.  "Now,"  I  said,  "we  shall  see  a  way  opened 
for  our  deliverance  very  soon,  I  know  we  shall." 

The  very  next  day  a  letter  came,  offering  to  my  husband  his 
former  business.  Overjoyed,  I  said:  "This  is  the  way!  Our 
Father  is  going  to  take  us  back  to  our  own  loved  home  and  kin- 
dred. He  said :  '  Commit  thy  way  unto  the  Lord,  trust  also  in  Him, 
and  He  shall  bring  it  to  pass.'  We  have  committed  our  way  to 
Him,  and  now  He  is  going  to  give  us  'the  desire  of  our  hearts.' 
This  is  just  what  He  promised  to  those  who  'delight  in  Him.'  See 
how  His  promises  are  being  fulfilled." 

"Yes,  but,"  said  the  faint-hearted  husband,  "it  is  not  accom- 
plished yet.  Money  must  be  had  to  purchase  the  stock,  and 
where  is  that  to  come  from  ? "  "I  don't  know,"  I  replied,  "but 
Our  Father  knows.  '  The  silver  and  the  gold  are  His,'  and  He  has 
it  somewhere  all  ready  for  you.  Now,  don't  doubt  or  fear  for  one 
moment,  but  trust  in  God  with  all  your  heart."  By  means  which 
seemed  most  unlikely,  a  considerable  amount  was  soon  placed  at 
our  disposal. 

Later,  the  amount  secured  was  found  to  be  insufficient. 


ONCE  MORE  IN  NEW  JERSEY.  195 

and  again  the  needy  pair  went  to  the  divine  Banker. 
After  a  season  of  united  prayer  Mr.  James  went  out  upon 
the  street. 

At  noon  he  returned  with  a  bright  countenance,  saying :  ' '  Isn't 
it  wonderful,  Mary  ?  As  I  went  down  the  street  this  morning  I  met 
Mr.  T.  J.  S.,  and  he  greeted  me  very  cordially,  said  he  was  very 
glad  we  had  returned,  and  asked  me  if  I  was  going  to  have  my 
former  business  again.  I  replied  I  had  come  back  with  that  ex- 
pectation, but  found  a  difficulty  in  my  way.  '  What  is  it  ? '  he 
asked ;  '  do  you  need  more  funds  ? '  I  said :  '  Yes,  I  need  $300 
more,  to  pay  on  taking  possession.'  'Well,'  he  said,  'I  will  let 
you  have  it.'  So  then  he  handed  me  the  cash,  and  my  business  is 
all  arranged  satisfactorily."  Then  we  had  another  season  of  com- 
munion with  Our  Father,  and  poured  into  His  ear  our  grateful 
praises  for  His  great  goodness. 

Another  interposition  of  Providence,  quite  as  marked,  occurred 
in  reference  to  a  home.  We  had  come  back  without  furniture,  and 
no  suitable  house  could  be  procured  at  that  season  of  the  year.  I 
had  been  praying  that  we  might  have  a  home  of  our  own  and 
enjoy  the  comforts  for  which  we  had  been  longing.  One  of  our 
daughters  was  an  invalid,  and  for  her  sake  especially  I  desired  a 
quiet  abode.  One  day,  when  praying  that  this  desire  of  my  heart 
might  be  given,  I  received  an  assurance  that  my  prayer  would  be 
granted.  How  this  could  be  brought  about  I  had  not  the  most 
remote  idea;  but  was  saying  in  my  heart  all  the  time :  "  Our  Father 
has  a  home  for  us  somewhere,  and  we  shall  have  it,  I  know  we 
shall." 

On  our  arrival  I  went  to  the  house  of  my  own  dear  brother 
[Captain  Joseph  A.  Yard],  whose  wife  had  been  removed  to  her 
heavenly  home,  and  there  was  an  open  door  for  me  and  my  family. 
A  pleasant  abode,  nicely  furnished,  and  every  comfort,  with  the 
privilege  of  taking  care  of  my  bereaved  brother  and  ministering  to 
his  comfort,  which  had  been  a  cherished  desire  of  my  heart,  and  it 
seemed  also  to  have  been  one  of  God's  gracious  purposes  in  bringing- 
us  back  again.  Many  things,  resulting  from  our  residence  there,  were 
signal  blessings  for  which  we  shall  ever  praise  our  gracious  God. 
Our  reunion  with  beloved  relatives  and  friends  also  was  a  source  of 


196  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

great  comfort,  and  daily  our  hearts  overflowed  with  grateful  love 
to  Him  who  thus  crowned  us  with  loving-kindness  and  tender 
mercies. 

Was  it  strange  that  about  the  time  of  this  Providen- 
tial interposition  this  favored  one  should  have  written  to 
her  son :  "I  never  can  distrust  God  again  "  ?  Probably 
in  all  her  years  of  trial  afterward  there  was  never  an 
hour  of  distrust. 

Upon  returning  to  Trenton  the  family  united  with  the 
State  Street  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  because  of  its 
location  near  their  new  home.  With  its  work  Mrs. 
James  soon  became  closely  identified.  She  was  ap- 
pointed a  class-leader,  meeting  a  company  of  ladies  on 
Friday  afternoons.  In  a  letter  to  her  friend,  Mr.  Cor- 
nelius Meeker,  dated  January  8,  1869,  she  speaks  of  her 
work : 

I  have  a  very  interesting  class,  consisting  of  some  young  ladies 
and  several  children  about  twelve  years  of  age,  who  have  been 
brought  to  Jesus  through  the  influence  of  the  children's  meetings 
held  on  Saturday  afternoons,  of  which  I  have  charge,  and  in  which 
God  has  specially  blessed  my  humble  efforts.  How  sweet  it  is  to 
work  for  Jesus,  especially  to  feed  the  lambs.  ...  In  this 
blessed  work  I  feel  more  at  home  than  in  any  other  field,  but  what- 
soever my  hand  findeth  to  do  I  am  trying  to  do  it  with  my  might. 

I  have  a  most  interesting  Bible-class  of  young  girls  from  twelve 
to  twenty-five  in  the  mission-school  on  Sunday  morning,  and  also  a 
Bible-class  of  teachers  of  the  mission-school,  meeting  on  Thursday 
evenings.  This,  too,  is  a  precious  work  in  which  I  am  deeply  in- 
terested. To  be  "always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord"  is 
my  highest  ambition,  and  as  long  as  my  frail  body  can  move  I 
want  to  work  and  sing  for  Jesus.  I  find  it  a  great  help  in  my  la- 
bors and  trials,  for  of  these  I  have  a  pretty  large  share,  to  sing 
much,  to  praise  my  blessed  Master  with  a  full  and  glad  heart.  It 
lightens  life's  heavy  burdens,  makes  its  crooked  paths  straight  and 
its  rough  places  smooth,  and  turns  its  darkness  into  light. 


ONCE  MORE  IN  NEW  JERSEY.  197 

A  meeting  specially  for  the  promotion  of  Christian 
purity,  in  which,  of  course,  Mrs.  James  was  particularly 
active,  was  held  on  Sunday  afternoons  in  one  of  the 
rooms  in  the  church,  and  proved  a  source  of  great  profit 
to  many.  In  addition  to  all  this  church  work  this  lady 
found  an  opportunity  for  usefulness  to  some  young  lady 
students  in  the  State  Normal  School.  That  she  was 
going  beyond  her  strength  became  apparent  to  her  kin- 
dred and  at  last  to  herself.  In  a  letter  to  her  son  and 
his  wife,  written  on  Thanksgiving  Day,  Nov.  26,  1868, 
she  says : 

I  have  been  so  prone  to  forget  that  I  had  a  frail  body.  Now  I 
feel  its  frailty  sensibly.  But  if  I  were  to  tell  you  of  the  work  of 
one  afternoon  and  evening  a  few  weeks  ago,  you  would  think  I  had 
not  then  learned  to  take  care  of  myself.  After  leading  my  class  I 
visited  an  absent  member  and  conversed  at  some  length  with  her ; 
then  went  to  the  Normal  School  Hall  and  talked  to  the  young  ladies 
in  their  prayer-meeting  half  an  hour,  and  prayed ;  then  came  down 
to  our  own  prayer-meeting  in  the  church ;  was  called  upon  to  lead 
in  prayer,  and,  though  faint  from  over-exertion,  made  the  attempt 
but  uttered  only  a  few  words.  I  came  home  completely  exhausted 
and  soon  after  had  a  chill  followed  by  fever.  I  felt  that  I  had  over- 
taxed my  feeble  frame  and  resolved  to  be  more  careful  in  future. 
I  have  kept  my  resolution  thus  far  and  intend  to  continue  to  do  so. 
But  such  is  my  sense  of  the  shortness  of  time  with  me  and  the  great 
need  of  constant,  faithful  labor  for  the  salvation  of  precious  souls, 
that  I  seem  to  be  impelled  to  put  forth  every  effort  possible  to  do 
good.  I  would  much  rather  do  more  than  God  requires  of  me  than 
fail  in  one  instance  to  do  all  I  can  in  the  all-important  work. 

The  good  work  among  the  Normal  School  pupils  continues.  A 
number  have  been  converted.  I  have  several  of  them  in  my  class 
and  am  deeply  interested  in  them.  I  attend  their  prayer-meet- 
ings at  the  hall  as  often  as  I  can,  and  have  been  specially  helped 
from  above  in  trying  to  lead  them  in  the  way  everlasting.  They 
receive  with  eagerness  the  communications  which  the  good  Spirit 
enables  me  to  impart,  and  often  come  to  me  expressing  their  thanks 


198  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

and  saying  that  my  words  have  been  a  great  blessing  to  them. 
From  the  depths  of  my  heart  I  say,  To  God  alone  be  the  glory.  I 
am  so  thankful  that  this  door  of  usefulness  has  been  opened  to  me 
by  *  Professor  Lippincott  and  his  wife,  who  both,  as  well  as  the 
pupils,  urge  me  to  attend  their  meetings  as  often  as  I  can. 

Every  year  there  were  more  or  less  conversions  in 
connection  with  the  children's  meeting  and  other  efforts 
of  this  earnest  woman.  At  one  time  she  and  a  Christian 
sister  became  deeply  interested  in  a  gentleman  and  his 
wife  for  whom  they  had  been  earnestly  praying.  A  call 
upon  the  wife  by  these  two  ladies,  and  some  religious 
conversation,  developed  the  fact  that  in  answer  to  prayer 
both  husband  and  wife  had  been  awakened,  and  this 
appeal  resulted  in  their  being  brought  to  Christ.  An- 
other case  was  a  young  girl  who  had  escaped  from  un- 
worthy relatives  and  was  led  to  Christ.  So  this  inde- 
fatigable toiler  was  seeking  by  all  possible  means  to 
advance  the  cause  of  her  Savior. 

Early  in  the  year  1868  Mrs.  James  was  invited  by  her 
nephew,  Major  James  S.  Yard,  of  Freehold,  to  visit  that 
place  once  more.  Some  of  the  people  remembered  her 
summer  there  some  fourteen  years  before,  and  she  found 
that  the  good  seed  then  sown  was  still  producing  fruit 
to  God's  honor.  At  the  time  of  this  later  visit  special 
meetings  were  in  progress  and  there  was  a  marked  re- 
ligious interest.  Into  this  work  she  threw  herself  with 
her  wonted  zeal  and  not  without  evident  results,  espe- 
cially among  children.     She  writes : 

Their  tender  hearts  were  prepared  by  the  Spirit  to  receive  the 
instructions  I  was  enabled  to  give  them.  Over  forty  children 
professed  to  give  their  hearts  to  Christ,  and  thirty-two  were  formed 
into  a  class.     A  meeting  for  the  ladies  was  also  held,  where  I  was 

*  Mentioned  in  the  chapter  "  Helping  Young  Christians." 


ONCE  MORE  IN  NEW  JERSEY.  199 

enabled  to  speak  with  much  liberty  upon  the  responsibility  resting 
upon  them  as  wives,  mothers,  daughters,  and  sisters,  with  special 
reference  to  the  salvation  of  the  other  sex. 

In  her  New  Year's  letter  for  1871  she  says: 

On  reviewing  the  past  year  I  see  much  to  be  thankful  for  as  well 
as  much  reason  for  humiliation.  While  I  wish  from  my  heart  that 
I  had  done  more  for  Jesus  and  served  Him  more  perfectly,  I  praise 
Him  for  the  grace  given  me  to  do  more  than  in  any  former  year  of 
my  life.  I  have  written  more,  talked  more,  prayed  more,  and  thought 
more  for  Jesus  than  in  any  previous  year,  and  had  more  peace 
of  mind,  resulting  from  a  stronger  and  more  simple  faith  in  Him. 
My  realization  of  His  presence  and  guidance  has  been  deeper,  fuller, 
and  sweeter  than  ever  before.  In  working  for  Jesus  I  have  felt 
less  burden,  more  perfect  self-abandonment,  more  reliance  on  the 
blessed  Spirit,  and  more  conscious  help  from  above,  so  I  must  call 
the  year  1870  the  best  year  of  my  life. 

It  was  at  this  time  that  Mrs.  James  expressed  her  feel- 
ings upon  entering  the  New  Year  in  the  hymn,  "  All  for 
Jesus."  This  has  probably  become  the  most  widely 
known  of  her  sacred  songs.  At  least  three  different 
pieces  of  music  have  been  arranged  for  it  by  as  many 
composers.  It  is  highly  prized,  and  often  sung  by  those 
who  know  nothing  of  its  authorship,  but  recognize  it  as 
expressing  desires  that  are  felt  by  all  well-instructed  fol- 
lowers of  Christ. 

In  addition  to  her  work  in  Trenton,  when  strength  and 
home-duties  would  permit,  Mrs.  James  gladly  responded 
to  calls  to  labor  in  other  places.  One  visit  was  to  West- 
field,  N.  J.,  the  scene  of  her  son's  first  pastorate,  about  a 
dozen  years  before.  Here  quite  a  company  of  children 
opened  their  young  hearts  to  make  the  Savior  welcome. 

With  love  for  souls  world-wide  in  its  sweep,  she  also 
accepted  a  commission   as  organizer  of  the   Woman's 


200  TEE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  in  its  interests  visited  several  places,  among 
them  Mount  Holly,  N.  J.,  where  she  had  lived  so  long. 
Her  appeals  in  behalf  of  the  women  in  heathen  lands 
were  earnest  and  moving.  Her  son  remembers  that  in 
one  of  his  charges  such  an  appeal  was  followed  by  the 
organization  of  a  society  which  has  been  kept  up  all 
these  years,  and  out  of  which  have  grown  two  others  in 
the  same  church,  one  of  young  ladies  and  one  of  little 
children. 

In  the  summer  of  1871  Mr.  and  Mrs.  James  accepted 
the  invitation  of  their  kind  friend,  Mr.  E.  Remington, 
of  Ilion,  ~N.  Y.,  to  enjoy  his  hospitality  and  attend  a 
camp-meeting  in  that  region.  In  her  diary  of  the  time, 
the  lady  visitor  speaks  in  glowing  terms  of  the  kindness 
of  their  friends  and  the  signal  divine  blessing  attending 
her  labors  at  this  meeting,  while  to  this  day  her  host  re- 
members that  "  Every  one  who  met  her  was  impressed 
with  her  devotion  to  the  cause  of  the  Master,  and  her 
presence  was  a  blessing  wherever  she  went." 

On  the  way  home  some  fears  awakened  by  accounts 
of  accidents  were  allayed  by  the  application  to  her  heart 
of  the  assurance :  "  I  will  send  mine  angel  before  thee 
to  keep  thee  in  all  thy  way  whither  thou  goest."  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  James  were  pursuing  their  journey  when  the 
gentleman  missed  his  pocket-book.  It  had  been  stolen 
while  they  were  in  a  crowd  changing  cars. 

Of  this  occurrence  and  some  others  connected  with  it 
Mrs.  James  wrote  to  Mr.  Remington  after  returning 
home: 

Among  entire  strangers,  so  far  from  home  and  destitute  of  funds, 
our  situation  was  sad  indeed.  My  husband  was  in  extreme  dis- 
tress, not  knowing  what  to  do.     I  said  to  him,  "You  can  certainly 


ONCE  MORE  IN  NEW  JERSEY.  201 

sell  some  of  your  watches,  pencils,  etc.  [which  he  had  brought 
with  hiin]  to  these  gentlemen  if  you  inform  them  of  your  loss."  He 
stated  his  case  to  a  number  and  every  one  refused  to  purchase. 
Discouraged  and  sorrowful  beyond  measure,  he  came  to  me  and 
said:  "What  shall  we  do?"  I  replied:  "Our  Father  will  surely  inter- 
pose for  our  relief.  He  brought  us  here  and  He  will  not  forsake  us 
in  the  time  of  our  extremity."  We  then  went  to  the  other  end  of 
the  car  and  took  a  seat  behind  a  gentleman  who  had  kindly  vacated 
his  seat  that  we  might  sit  together.  As  I  looked  at  his  countenance 
I  thought  I  could  discern  benevolence,  and  said  in  my  heart:  "He 
will  befriend  us."  Just  then  my  husband  took  from  his  pocket  the 
little  Bible  which  he  carries  with  him  and  opened  to  the  passage, 
"  We  glory  in  tribulations,"  etc.  He  read  it  to  me  and  I  said,  "  Now 
we  must  have  grace  to  enable  us  to  glory  in  this  trial.  Not  only  to 
be  resigned  to  it,  but  to  glory  in  it.  Satan  has  been  trying  to 
trouble  me  with  his  suggestions  in  reference  to  the  divine  care  over 
us.  He  said  :  'What  has  become  of  the  promise  in  which  you  took 
so  much  comfort  ?  "  The  angel  of  His  presence  "  has  permitted  you 
to  fall  among  thieves,  and  in  your  trouble  to  meet  only  "priests  " 
and  "Levites,"  who  have  passed  you  by ;  and  now  what  are  you 
going  to  do  ?'  I  said,  '  We  will  trust  in  God.  Yea,  "  though  He 
slay  me,  yet  will  I  trust  in  Him."  Even  this  seeming  calamity  is 
going  to  work  for  good  in  some  way.'  " 

Mr.  James  seemed  comforted,  and  smiled  amid  his  tears.  Soon 
our  story  was  told  to  our  new  friend,  whose  heart  was  full  of  sym- 
pathy. He  proposed  that  we  should  stop  with  him  at  Waverly, 
where  his  parents  live,  and  he  would  make  some  purchases  that 
would  at  least  enable  us  to  reach  Auburn,  where  we  could  obtain 
funds  from  a  friend.  We  found  in  that  stranger  the  "  Good  Sam- 
aritan." After  having  purchased  two  watches,  he  went  to  some  of 
his  friends  and  sold  others.  Thus  we  had  enough  to  meet  our  de- 
mands till  we  could  reach  home.  We  concluded  to  stop  and  spend 
the  night  at  a  camp-meeting  at  Spencer,  thinking  the  Lord  might 
have  some  work  for  me  there. 

In  conversation  with  a  number  of  persons  I  tried  to  sow  some 
good  seed  and  to  bring  precious  souls  to  Jesus.  In  the  love-feast, 
I  gave  my  testimony  of  the  glorious  truth  that  "  the  blood  of  Jesus 
cleanseth."  Had  great  liberty  in  speaking.  We  left  that  hallowed 
spot  feeling  that  God's  own  hand  had  led  us  there.  Had  not  the 
9* 


202  THE  LIFE  OF  MBS.  JAMES. 

pocket-book  been  stolen  we  should  not  have  gone  to  the  camp- 
meeting.  So  "we  thanked  God  and  took  courage,"  going  "  on 
our  way  rejoicing." 

The  genuine  humility  that  was  so  marked  a  feature  of 
the  character  we  are  studying  was  manifested  whenever 
she  alluded  to  her  own  work  and  the  results  which,  by 
God's  blessing,  followed  it.  The  following,  from  a  letter 
written  on  her  sixty-second  birthday,  August  7,  1872, 
illustrates  this  statement.  After  alluding  to  her  life-jour- 
ney thus  far  she  remarks  : 

The  retrospect  fills  my  heart  with  mingled  emotions.  I  see  so 
much  to  regret  on  my  own  part  and  yet  so  much  to  be  thankful 
for.  Mistakes,  failures,  infirmities  have  marred  my  life-picture, 
and  yet  the  grace  of  God  has  so  abounded  to  me,  through  the  infi- 
nite merit  of  my  Redeemer,  that  I  feel  and  know  I  have  not  lived 
in  vain.  Deeply  conscious  I  am  that  all  that  is  worthy  to  be  ad- 
mired in  the  picture  portraying  my  life  was  traced  by  His  hand  who 
' '  is  made  of  God  unto  us  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanctification 
and  redemption."  The  longer  I  live  the  more  I  see  and  feel  that  I 
am  nothing,  and  the  more  I  am  willing  to  be  considered  as  nothing. 
The  opinions  of  the  world,  its  esteem  and  applause,  have  been 
diminishing  in  importance  to  me  for  years  past.  Now  they  seem  to 
be  of  no  more  consequence  than  a  puff  of  wind.  My  only  solicitude 
is  to  please  God  and  be  useful  to  the  world. 

The  same  vein  runs  through  a  letter  written  some 
months  later  to  a  life-long  friend,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Thomas, 
of  Little  Silver,  N.  J.  She  has  spoken  of  the  serious  and 
protracted  illness  of  her  husband  and  of  her  own  feeble 
health  and  possible  speedy  end  of  life,  and  adds : 

But  now  the  words  of  Young  come  to  my  mind,  ' '  Man  is  immor- 
tal till  his  work  is  done."  If  my  Heavenly  Father  has  any  more 
for  me  to  do,  He  can  "prop  the  house  of  clay  and  lengthen  out  my 
days."     His  blessed  will  be  done.     It  seems  to  me  desirable  to  live 


ONCE  MORE  IN  NEW  JERSEY.  203 

only  so  far  as  my  life  may  glorify  God.  Any  other  object  in  life, 
has  never  entered  into  my  calculation,  and  now,  in  the  retrospect 
of  sixty-two  years,  it  gives  me  unspeakable  comfort  to  know  that 
my  entire  life  has  been  consecrated  to  His  blessed  service.  O  that 
I  had  served  Him  more  faithfully,  more  acceptably!  But  "the 
past  is  under  the  blood."  O  blessed  thought!  the  atoning  blood 
covers  all  our  failures  and  renders  us  acceptable  to  God.  It  is  the 
sweetest  joy  of  my  heart  to  look  up  to  my  dear  Savior  and  say : 

"  Thy  righteousness  alone 
Can  clothe  and  beautify; 
I  wrap  it  round  my  soul, 
In  it  I  live  and  die." 

The  business  in  Trenton  did  not  meet  the  expectations 
of  Mr.  James,  and  he  found  himself  under  the  necessity 
of  once  more  disposing  of  his  stock,  and  now  abandoned 
the  attempt  to  conduct  a  store  for  the  sale  of  watches 
and  jewelry.  In  the  spring  of  1873  Mr.  and  Mrs.  James 
temporarily  took  up  their  abode  in  Pennington,  N.  J. 
The  lady  writes : 

Here  we  are  in  our  quiet  home  at  Pennington,  for  which  we  are 
truly  thankful.  Never  was  there  a  greater  relief  to  poor,  toil-worn, 
sick  pilgrims.  It  makes  me  think  of  the  sweet  rest  of  the  Israel- 
ites at  Elim,  under  the  delightful  shade  of  the  palm-trees  among 
the  cooling  wells  of  water,  after  the  long  journey  through  the  burn- 
ing desert,  You  can  scarcely  imagine  the  turmoil,  the  discomforts, 
annoyances,  toils,  trials,  and  sufferings  of  the  past  winter.  And  yet 
the  Lord  did  so  graciously  help  us  that  we  were  enabled  in  patience 
to  possess  our  souls,  and  to  be  thankful  for  the  mercies  that  were 
mingled  with  our  affliction. 


CHAPTEK  VI. 

BEREAVED. 

It  will  scarcely  make  a  break  in  this  narrative  to  intro- 
duce at  this  point  some  of  the  proposed  chapters  in 
regard  to  specific  phases  of  the  experience  and  work  of 
Mrs.  James,  as  illustrated  at  different  times  in  her  his- 
tory, because  most  of  these  were  intimately  connected 
with  the  maturity  of  her  Christian  character,  either  as 
helping  in  its  development  or  manifesting  its  effects  in 
the  wise,  efficient  work  she  was  enabled  to  do,  and  in 
her  meekness  and  patience  under  trials. 

Precious  as  is  the  religion  of  Jesus  in  all  circumstances, 
it  is  in  earth's  darkest  scenes  that  it  shines  with  purest 
luster.  The  worldling,  robbed  of  that  upon  which  he 
had  leaned,  sinks  overwhelmed.  His  only  staff  is  broken 
and  he  is  forlorn  indeed.  However  great  the  losses  of 
the  Christian  he  may  sing  : 

"  What  though  created  streams  are  dried  ? 
I  have  the  Fountain  still." 

To  learn  how  the  subject  of  this  memoir  was  permitted 
to  prove  the  value  of  her  faith  and  hope  we  need  to  con- 
template the  triumphs  of  grace  in  those  times  when  the 
removal  of  cherished  friends  wounded  and  crushed  her 
nature,  so  ardent  in  its  attachments  and  so  sensitive  to 
every  rude  blast. 

"While  yet  in  childhood,  she  lost  a  little  brother 
younger  than   herself.      Two   older   brothers  and   her 


BEREA  VED.  205 

father  were  removed  by  death  before  her  marriage.  Not 
again  until  the  year  1847  did  death  invade  the  circle  of 
her  near  relatives.  The  first  one  stricken  was  her  brother, 
Lieutenant  Benjamin  Yard,  who  had  entered  the  military 
service  in  the  Avar  with  Mexico.  The  following  incidents 
are  connected  with  this  event : 

One  day,  while  engaged  in  domestic  cares,  a  sudden  sense  of  the 
imminent  danger  of  her  brother  Benjamin  almost  overpowered  her, 
and  she  ran  up-stairs  to  pray  for  him.  In  agonizing  supplication 
she  pleaded  with  God  to  save  his  soul.  After  a  few  moments  had 
passed  the  answer  was  spoken  to  her  heart:  "  He  shall  be  saved." 
The  burden  was  gone  and  she  was  relieved. 

The  same  night  she  dreamed  that  her  brother  came  to  her.  His 
appearance  was  that  of  a  dying  person,  his  complexion  the  color  of 
a  lemon,  and  she  was  painfully  conscious  that  he  was  about  to  die. 
She  said:  "You  are  very  ill,  brother.  O  tell  me  !  are  you  ready 
to  die  ?  "  His  reply  was  satisfactory.  When  she  awoke,  her  mind 
was  deeply  impressed  with  the  exercises  of  the  previous  day  and 
with  the  dream  which  followed,  and  she  noted  the  date  of  the 
occurrence.  She  very  soon  after  met  her  mother,  who  said :  "Mary, 
we  have  had  sad  news  from  Mexico.  The  yellow  fever  is  raging  in 
Matamoras,  and  your  brother  Benjamin  is  there." 

She  related  the  singular  facts,  adding:  "Mother,  if  he  dies,  he 
will  be  saved."  Only  a  few  days  had  elapsed  when  the  tidings 
came  of  her  brother's  death  from  yellow  fever,  and,  comparing 
dates,  they  were  found  to  correspond.  The  night  of  the  dream 
was  the  night  of  his  death.  When  his  trunk  was  sent  home,  a 
letter  was  found  in  it,  which  his  sister  had  written  to  him  a  few 
weeks  prior  to  his  death,  in  which  she  strongly  urged  him  to  give 
his  heart  to  God  without  delay.  In  writing  that  letter  she  had 
fervently  prayed  that  the  Holy  Spirit  might  dictate  every  word  and 
make  it  the  means  of  the  salvation  of  her  brother. 

However  little  dependence  is  to  be  placed  upon  dreams 
and  impressions  in  general,  there  was  here  at  least  a 
singular  coincidence,  and  this  heart  found  comfort  and 


206  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS   JAMES. 

hope,  as  did  God's  people  in  ancient  times,  through  such 
means. 

A  few  years  later  another  brother,  Mr.  William  K. 
Yard,  of  Trenton,  was  called  away.  In  his  case,  too. 
there  were  remarkable  answers  to  prayer,  and  the  sor- 
rowing sister  was  comforted. 

It  has  been  said  that  the  imagination  of  Mrs.  James 
was  prone  to  conjure  up  trials  and  prepare  for  them.  In 
this  way  she  had,  by  anticipation,  passed  through  the 
ordeal  of  parting  with  her  mother  many  times  in  the 
repeated  attacks  of  disease  which  that  lady  had  endured. 
At  last,  after  some  eighty-one  years  of  life,  in  December, 
1853,  the  venerable  and  excellent  Mrs.  Yard  found  her- 
self entering  the  valley  of  shadows.  We  have  the  fol- 
lowing particulars  of  the  experiences  through  which 
mother  and  daughter  passed  : 

The  beloved  mother  who  had  led  her  daughter  into  the  way  of 
life  and  taught  her  many  precious  lessons  of  trust  in  God  during 
her  early  years,  now  needed  consolation  and  spiritual  aid  from  her 
child.  As  the  infirmities  of  age  came  on,  she  realized  more  and 
more  her  sad  deprivation  in  being  separated  from  her  only  daugh- 
ter, and  nervous  depression  sometimes  caused  despondency  and 
gloom.  "Mary's  letters,"  she  said,  "keep  my  head  above  the 
waters.     If  it  were  not  for  the  comfort  they  give  me,  I  should  sink." 

Finding  that  God  made  her  letters  the  means  of  encouragement 
to  her  dear  parent,  she  wrote  very  often.  An  extract  from  one 
communication,  which  was  made  a  special  blessing,  is  given : 

My  Precious  Mother:  You  are  ever  on  my  mind,  and  my 
prayers  are  continually  going  up  for  you,  that  abundant  grace  may 
be  imparted  to  you,  and  that,,  as  you  are  nearing  the  close  of  your 
earthly  life,  you  may  have  a  glorious  prospect  of  the  life  beyond, 
and  an  earnest  of  the  rich  inheritance  awaiting  you.  May  your 
"peace  be  as  a  river"  and  your  "  love  abound  more  and  more." 

I  know  you  are  sometimes  tempted  to  fear  that  you  will  yet  be 
wrecked  upon  some  dreadful  rock,  and  fail  at  last  to  reach  bright 


BEREA  VED  207 

Canaan's  peaceful  shore;  but  victory  and  heaven  will  be  yours 
through  Him  who  has  loved  you  and  given  Himself  for  you.  Your 
name  is  graven  upon  His  hands  and  you  are  dear  as  the  apple  of 
His  eye. 

Could  you  cast  off  one  of  your  children  ?  No,  you  could  not, 
you  would  not,  even  one  who  was  rebellious  and  really  unworthy 
of  your  regard ;  your  love  is  so  deep,  your  compassion  so  tender, 
and  your  forbearance  so  great.  You  bear  your  children  ever  on 
your  mind  and  heart.  Our  interests  are  yours;  our  every  burden  is 
carried  by  our  loving,  tender  mother.  We  all  see  and  know  this, 
and  we  feel  that  your  very  life  is  bound  up  in  us.  All  your  desire 
and  solicitude  is  for  our  welfare. 

God  represents  His  love  and  care  for  His  children  as  like  that  of 
a  mother  for  her  child,  and  even  deeper  and  stronger;  for  he  asks: 
"Can  a  mother  forget  her  child  ?"  and  admits  the  possibility  that 
a  mother  might  forget  her  sucking  child,  but  says,  "I  will  not  for- 
get thee." 

O  how  often  has  my  own  heart  been  cheered  by  this  glorious 
passage  of  God's  precious  Word !  When  in  severe  trials  and  temp- 
tations I  have  thought  of  the  deep  affection  I  feel  for  my  children, 
how  unspeakably  dear  they  are  to  my  heart,  how  anxious  I  am  to 
promote  their  welfare  and  their  comfort  in  everything,  and  when 
their  tender  hearts  are  wounded,  or  their  bodies  are  suffering  from 
pain,  how  I  clasp  them  to  my  bosom,  and  the  gushing  fountain 
of  a  mother's  love  finds  vent  in  flowing  tears  and  expressions  of 
pity  and  fond  caresses,  how  sweetly  have  come,  as  a  soothing 
balm  when  my  own  heart  has  been  wounded,  the  words:  u.As  one 
whom  his  mother  comforteth,  so  will  I  comfort  you." 

Dear  mother,  only  let  us  cling  very  closely  to  our  Jesus  and  we 
are  safe.  Nothing  can  possibly  harm  us  while  He  is  with  us.  Oh, 
I  am  so  sure  the  eternal  God  is  your  Refuge  as  well  as  mine  and  that 
underneath  you  are  the  everlasting  arms.  "  Fear  not,  only  be- 
lieve." 

May  all  the  clouds  quickly  disperse  and  the  Sun  of  Righteousness 
shine  gloriously  upon  you,  prays  your  loving  Mart. 

As  the  dear,  aged  pilgrim  came  down  to  the  valley,  her  experi- 
ence became  clearer  and  her  heart  more  trustful.  She  one  day  re- 
peated the  sweet  hymn  of  Dr.  Watts  on  the  23d  Psalm : 


208  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

'*  The  Lord  my  shepherd  is, 
I  shall  be  well  supplied ; 
Since  He  is  mine  and  I  am  His, 
What  can  I  want  beside  ?  " 

Tears  of  joy  flowed  from  her  eyes  as  she  repeated  verse  after 
verse,  and  especially  when  she  came  to  the  last  one : 

"  While  He  affords  His  aid 
I  cannot  yield  to  fear  : 
E'en  though  I  walk  through  death's  dark  shade, 
My  Shepherd's  with  me  there." 

The  daughter  said,  "Mother,  that  is  the  language  of  your  own 
heart,  is  it  not?"  "Yes,  my  dear  child,  it  is;  and  that  is  my 
great  comfort.  And  this  precious  Book,"  holding  up  the  Bible  in 
her  hands,  "is  my  constant  companion,  and  it  grows  more  and 
more  dear  to  me  every  day." 

That  conversation  was  remembered  with  peculiar  interest,  for  it 
was  the  last  one  while  the  loved  mother  was  able  to  sit  up.  The 
next  day  she  was  weaker,  and  every  day  seemed  perceptibly  failing. 

As  Mrs.  Yard  approached  the  end  of  life,  there  came 
an  hour  when  she  was  saddened  with  the  thought  of  her 
own  un worthiness.  When  her  feelings  were  expressed 
to  the  daughter  she  replied  : 

"  Why,  mother,  you  know  that  it  is  not  our  own  goodness  that 
will  save  us : 

"  "Tis  Jesus'  blood  and  righteousness 
Our  beauty  are,  our  glorious  dress.' " 

She  replied :   ' '  Why,  yes !  yes !  so  it  is !  "  and  added : 

"  '  Midst  flaming  worlds,  in  these  arrayed 
"With  joy  shall  I  lift  up  my  head  ! 
Bold  shall  I  stand  in  that  great  day : 
For  who  aught  to  my  charge  shall  lay  ? 
Fully  absolved  through  these  I  am 
From  sin  and  fear,  from  guilt  and  shame.' 

"  Glory,  glory  to  the  Lamb  !  my  sins  were  laid  on  Jesus.     He  bore 
all  my  iniquities.     I  am  saved  through  His  precious  blood !  " 


BEREA  VED.  209 

Thus  she  exulted  and  praised  God  until,  quite  exhausted,  she 
sank  into  a  slumber.  On  awaking  she  said,  "Oh,  I  have  been  to 
heaven,  and  saw  Jesus,  and  I  sang : 

"  '  I'll  sit  at  His  feet,  and  the  story  repeat, 
And  the  Lover  of  sinners  adore/  " 

When  passing  through  the  valley  she  seemed  all  the  time  in  com- 
munion with  Jesus  and  loved  ones  gone  before.  Her  eyes  were 
constantly  turned  upward  and  her  lips  moving.  "  Oh,  what  a 
company!"  she  said;  "that  great  company  that  John — "  Her 
daughter  repeated  the  rest  of  the  sentence,  "that  John  saw,  that 
had  '  washed  their  robes  and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb'  ?  Do  you  see  that  company,  mother?"  "Yes,"  she  said; 
and  then,  with  her  eyes  still  gazing  upward,  she  said,  "Mother, 
Sister  Beckie,  I'm  coming !  Yes,  I'm  coming !  "  As  loved  ones 
surrounded  the  bed  they  felt  the  hallowed  influence  of  celestial 
visitants,  and  knew  the  chariot  and  horses  had  come  and  she  was 
all  ready  to  step  in.  How  holy  seemed  the  place,  even  as  the  pre- 
cincts of  the  upper  temple !  When  the  spirit  fled  away  with  the 
shining  ones,  the  sons  and  daughter  felt  that  they  had  lost  a  pre- 
cious mother  and  heaven  had  gained  a  priceless  jewel. 

The  bitter  cup  was  then  poor  Mary's  portion.  When  she  knew 
the  spirit  had  fled,  and  she  had  no  mother,  she  exclaimed  in  deep- 
est anguish,  "  O  my  best  earthly  friend  is  gone!  she  who  loved  me 
with  unselfish  love;  my  counselor,  my  comforter.  O  my  sweet, 
lovely  mother!  how  can  I  live  without  her  ?  " 

But  the  tempest  of  her  grief  was  soon  stilled  by  Him  who  calms  the 
winds  and  waves.  After  the  momentary  burst  from  her  overcharged 
heart,  she  said,  "It  is  the  Lord;  let  Him  do  as  seemeth  Him  good. 
He  has  taken  my  dear,  suffering  mother  to  her  home  in  heaven: 
how  blest  she  is,  free  from  all  sorrow  and  pain,  in  the  presence  of 
her  loved  Redeemer.     Hallelujah  to  the  Lamb  !  " 

In  1854,  not  many  months  after  their  re-establishment 
in  Trenton,  death  removed  the  pet  of  the  household,  the 
darling  "  little  Charlie."  The  record  of  Mrs.  James's  ex- 
perience is  in  these  words : 


210  THE  LIFE  OF  MMS.  JAMES. 

Having  consecrated  him  to  God  as  a  missionary,  the  mother  could 
not  believe  he  would  die  until  she  found  the  spirit  had  really  fled. 
Then  she  said,  "Good  is  the  will  of  the  Lord!  The  Master  may 
want  to  make  him  a  missionary  up  there.  '  He  doeth  all  things 
well.'  'The  Lord  gave  and  the  Lord  hath  taken  away,  blessed  be 
the  name  of  the  Lord.'  " 

A  few  weeks  before  his  mother  had  met  a  bereaved  sister  in  the 
church  who  had  lost  her  only  daughter,  the  idol  of  the  household, 
the  light  of  her  parents'  eyes.  The  mother  was  disconsolate  and 
would  not  be  comforted.  In  vain  were  all  the  efforts  made  to  con- 
vince her  that  God  had  taken  her  daughter  in  wisdom  and  love. 
The  question  she  put  to  her  friend  was:  "Have  you  ever  lost  a 
child?"  She  replied,  "No,  I  have  not."  "Then,"  she  said,  "you 
don't  know  what  it  is,  and  cannot  understand  what  I  feel."  "But," 
said  her  friend,  "there  can  be  no  circumstance  or  trial  in  life  which 
the  grace  of  God  cannot  meet.  He  said,  'My  grace  is  sufficient  for 
thee,'  and  that  means  it  is  adequate  to  all  the  conditions  and 
troubles  of  our  earthly  pilgrimage."  "Well,"  added  the  bereaved 
one,  "wait  till  you  pass  through  what  I  have  and  then  tell  me  how 
you  feel."     She  little  thought  the  test  would  so  soon  come. 

When  her  own  sweet  boy,  her  youngest  pet,  was  lying  cold  in 
death,  the  mother  who  had  said  "Wait  till  you  are  tested"  came 
to  see  the  stricken  one.  She  found  her  calm  and  resigned.  Smil- 
ing through  her  tears  she  said,  "I  did  not  think  I  should  so  soon 
be  brought  to  feel  the  deep  sorrow  of  bereavement  when  speaking 
to  you  of  the  soothing  balm  that  heals  the  wounded  heart,  but  now 
I  am  proving  its  efficacy,  and  what  I  told  you  grace  could  do  for  the 
afflicted,  I  am  sweetly  realizing  in  my  own  case.  My  little  Charles 
Melville  was  as  precious  to  me  as  your  daughter  was  to  you.  He 
was  a  child  of  uncommon  promise,  and  so  lovely  that  he  seemed 
almost  angelic.  I  believed  he  would  live  to  be  very  useful  in  the 
world.  This  was  my  fondly  cherished  desire,  and  when  the  terrible 
blow  came  it  seemed  to  tear  my  heart  asunder.  But  looking  right 
away  to  Jesus,  I  felt  immediately  the  inflowing  of  His  love  as  a 
healing  balm  to  my  wounded  heart,  and  my  mourning  was  turned 
to  praises.  I  said,  '  Blessed  Lord,  Thou  hast  a  right  to  take  my 
cherished  boy;  he  belongs  to  Thee  and  I  cheerfully  resign  him.'  I 
have  felt  perfectly  peaceful  and  resigned  from  that  moment.     And 


BEREA  VED.  211 

O  how  thankful  I  am  that  I  can  now  say,  '  I  know  the  grace  of 
God  is  sufficient  even  under  these  circumstances.'" 

The  sad  countenance  brightened,  and  the  mourner  said,  "Now  I 
am  convinced  that  what  you  said  to  me  is  true.  I  wanted  to  see 
you  to  know  how  you  bore  this  trial;  and  I  am  encouraged  to  be- 
lieve I,  too,  can  be  lifted  up  and  comforted." 

Up  to  the  moment  when  the  little  coffin  was  let  down  into  the 
grave,  the  mother's  heart  was  strong  to  bear  up  under  the  trial ;  but 
she  was  yet  to  taste  more  deeply  the  bitterness  of  grief,  that  she 
might  attest  more  completely  the  power  of  divine  grace  to  enable 
the  soul  to  triumph  over  deepest  sorrow. 

As  the  form  of  her  precious  child  was  lowered  into  the  grave,  she 
seemed  for  a  moment  to  forget  the  resurrection,  and  said  in  her  heart, 
"O  am  I  never  to  see  that  loved  form  again?  Will  I  never  more 
hear  his  sweet  voice,  nor  clasp  him  to  my  bosom  again  ?  "  Her  heart 
seemed  crushed  with  grief,  and  she  was  near  fainting  when  the 
words  fell  upon  her  ears:  "Charlie  is  not  dead,  but  sleepeth;" 
"them  that  sleep  in  Jesus  shall  God  bring  with  Him."  As  these 
words,  uttered  by  the  minister  at  the  grave,  sounded  forth,  they 
seemed  as  a  message  to  the  agonized  one  from  the  God  whom  she 
served.  The  light  of  the  glorious  resurrection  morn  dawned  upon 
the  darkness  of  the  tomb,  and  she  saw  the  darling  one  rising  up  in 
beauty  and  glory  more  charming  than  ever,  and  she  said,  "  I  shall 
see  my  own  sweet  Charlie  again,  and  in  a  blissful  reunion  dwell  with 
him  forever,  where  death  can  never  come !  "  The  transition  in  her 
feelings  was  overpowering,  her  joy  was  unbounded ;  she  could 
scarcely  restrain  the  impulse  to  shout  aloud  praises  to  Him  who  is 
"the  Resurrection  and  the  Life,"  as  she  stood  at  the  open  grave. 

O  glorious  hope  of  the  Christian!  "When  He  who  is  our  life 
shall  appear,  then  shall  we  also  appear  with  Him  in  glory."  Our 
loved  ones  who  sleep  in  Jesus  will  be  with  us  again,  and  through 
endless  ages  we  shall  love,  wonder,  and  adore  His  matchless  grace 
who  hath  "led  captivity  captive,"  triumphed  over  death  and  the 
grave,  and  made  His  redeemed  people  "more  than  conquerors." 

"  Hallelujah  to  the  Lamb! 
His  name  is  all-glorious, 
O'er  death  and  the  grave 

He  hath  made  us  victorious ! " 


212  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

Mr.  Charles  C.  Yard,  an  active  servant  of  God  and  His 
church,  but  never  vigorous  in  health,  all  the  dearer  to  his 
sister  because  he  was  an  object  of  constant  solicitude,  and 
because  many  years  of  their  life  were  passed  under  the 
same  roof,  died  in  Trenton  in  September,  1866. 

Mr.  John  Yard  died  at  his  home  in  Philadelphia  some 
months  later,  and  six  days  after  the  death  of  his  daugh- 
ter, Mrs.  Hannah  McCurdy,  almost  as  dear  as  a  sister  to 
Mrs.  James,  who  keenly  felt  this  double  bereavement, 
but,  as  in  others,  found  grace  sufficient. 

The  heaviest  blow  of  all  fell  in  December,  1867,  when 
Mrs.  James  was  suddenly  bereaved  of  her  daughter, 
Mary  Priscilla. 

The  }7oung  lady  possessed  rare  loveliness  of  character, 
which  drew  to  her  a  large  circle  of  friends  and  made  her 
especially  dear  to  her  kindred.  As  intimated  elsewhere 
in  this  volume,  her  stay  in  New  England  proved  a  serious 
injury  to  her  health.  She  was  not  strong  enough  to  en- 
dure the  rigors  of  the  New  England  climate. 

While  yet  her  parents  remained  in  Boston  Miss  James 
accepted  a  position  in  the  school  of  a  dear  friend  of  the 
family  in  West  Chester,  Penn.  Scarcely  had  she  entered 
upon  her  duties  when  she  was  stricken  down  with  typhoid 
fever.  The  diary  of  Mrs.  James,  as  given  in  Fifty  Years' 
Walk  with  Jesus,  thus  describes  her  feelings  at  this  time : 

The  first  thought  was,  ' '  She  will  die.  Her  frail  frame  will  not  long 
withstand  the  ravages  of  that  terrible  disease."  The  mother's  heart 
was  agonized  at  the  thought  that  her  darling  was  so  far  away  and 
might  die  before  she  could  possibly  reach  her.  Just  then  a  minister 
had  called  to  see  us,  and  I  said,  "  Brother,  pray  for  us  and  for  our 
dear  sick  daughter."  We  all  knelt  in  prayer,  and  the  moment  he 
commenced  speaking  to  God  my  spiritual  eyes  saw  a  vision  that 
lifted  me  above  my  sorrow.  Mary  was  in  the  arms  of  Jesus,  and 
he  said:  "  She  is  safe ! "   Then  my  soul  was  calm  as  the  Sea  of  Gal- 


BEBEA  VED.  213 

ilee  after  Jesus  said  to  the  winds  and  waves,  "Be  still."  All  agi- 
tation, anxiety,  and  grief  left  me  in  a  moment,  and  I  said:  "Yes, 
she  is  safe,  safe  in  the  arms  of  Jesus !  " 

Now  I  was  able  to  prepare  for  the  long  journey,  which  must  be 
commenced  in  a  few  hours,  for  which  I  would  have  been  so  utterly 
unfitted  had  my  poor  shattered  nerves  not  been  quieted  and  my 
troubled  spirit  comforted.  Soon  we  were  on  our  way  to  the  dear 
one  and  my  heart  seemed  to  leap  to  meet  her.  When  the  train 
had  reached  the  place  where  we  were  to  take  the  steamboat  a  tre- 
mendous storm  came  on,  causing  the  Sound  to  be  too  rough  for  the 
boat  to  go  out;  and  as  I  heard  the  chambermaid  say:  "Captain 
says  we  can't  leave  here  before  morning,"  my  heart,  for  a  moment, 
sank.  "  Oh,  must  I  be  delayed  ten  or  twelve  hours  ? "  I  said  ;  ' '  how 
can  I  bear  it,  to  be  kept  so  long  from  my  darling  sick  one  ?  I  fear 
she  will  die  before  I  shall  reach  her!  "  Immediately  the  vision  came 
up  again  :  she  was  safe  in  the  arms  of  Jesus !  Then  my  spirit  was 
calm  in  a  moment.  I  retired  for  the  night  and  slept  as  sweetly  as 
ever  in  my  life.  In  the  morning  the  boat  was  plowing  the  great 
deep,  which  was  wrought  up  to  wild  commotion  by  the  tempest  of 
the  previous  night.  All  day  we  were  on  the  waters,  not  reaching 
New  York  till  evening,  just  in  time  to  take  the  Southern  train. 
Two  more  delays  on  the  long  journey  caused  pangs  in  my  heart; 
but  they  were  only  momentary,  for  the  same  sweet,  comforting  as- 
surance quickly  came  again  and  set  my  trembling  spirit  at  rest. 

On  the  evening  of  the  third  day  we  reached  the  darling  sufferer 
and  found  her  very  low;  but  never  was  a  more  thankful  heart  than 
was  mine,  to  find  her  still  alive  and  safe  in  the  arms  of  Jesus,  as  I 
had  been  assured.  Day  and  night  I  watched  beside  her,  relieved 
occasionally  by  her  dear  sister,  and  saw  the  meek  sufferer  enduring 
with  lamb-like  patience  her  distressing  sickness  for  three  weeks. 
When  I  spoke  to  her  of  the  beautiful  vision  with  which  my  heart 
was  so  comforted  before  I  came  to  her,  she  said :  "Well,  that  is 
just  the  way  I  have  felt  all  the  time — safe  in  the  arms  of  Jesus." 

Slowly  the  young  invalid  recovered,  and  there  was  evi- 
dence that  her  severe  trials  had  deepened  her  religious 
experience.  More  than  a  year  had  passed  when  there 
came  what  the  mother  calls  "  a  memorable  Sabbath." 


214  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

It  was  when,  with  unusual  vigor  and  interest,  our  daughter 
attended  five  services,  one  of  which  was  a  meeting  with  reference 
to  the  higher  privilege  of  believers.  The  Holy  Spirit  came  down 
at  the  beginning  of  the  exercises,  and  hearts  received  the  divine 
impress.  After  the  hymn,  "Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee,"  had  been 
sung,  the  leader  said  did  we  mean  what  we  said, 

"Nearer  to  Thee, 
E'en  though  it  be  a  cross 
That  raiseth  me  "  ? 

"Are  we  so  desirous  to  be  nearer  to  God  that  we  are  willing  to 
have  some  heavy  trial  or  sorrow  laid  upon  us  ?  Let  us  look  now 
into  our  hearts  and  see  if  our  desire  is  so  strong  to  be  nearer  to 
God  that  we  are  willing  that,  if  need  be,  such  means  should  be 
used  to  bring  us  close  to  His  side. " 

It  was  a  solemn  moment.  The  work  of  heart-searching  was 
going  on,  and  as  the  momentous  scrutiny  with  the  light  of  the 
Spirit  revealed  the  true  condition  of  each  heart,  there  was  a  simul- 
taneous soul-cry  for  closer  union  with  Jesus,  as  in  supplication  we 
bowed  before  Him.  The  leader  called  upon  me  to  lead  in  prayer, 
and  with  deepest  sincerity  of  soul  I  reiterated  the  prayer, 

"  Nearer,  my  God,  to  Thee  ! 
E'en  though  it  be  a  cross 
That  raiseth  me." 

There  seemed  a  response  going  forth  from  every  heart. 

We  knew  not  that  some  of  us  would  be  taken  at  our  word,  nor 
did  I  think  that  a  sword  was  about  to  pierce  my  own  soul  also. 
But  what  a  baptism  descended  upon  us,  as  we  there  consecrated 
ourselves  to  God  anew !  Never  was  a  richer  or  sweeter  blessing 
imparted  to  a  band  of  suppliants.  The  way  into  the  holy  of  holies 
was  open  and  some  precious  ones  entered  in.  One  of  those  favored 
ones  was  our  own  sweet  Mary! 

I  saw  her  bright  countenance  as  we  arose  from  prayer,  and  at 
the  close  of  the  meeting  heard  her  say,  "I'm  so  glad  I  came  here 
to-day!"  A  sister  afterward  told  me  that  Mary  was  going  home 
after  Sabbath-school,  and  as  she  turned  toward  the  door  to  go  out, 
she  said  to  her,  "Mary,  come  into  the  meeting,  won't  you  ?"  "I 
thought  I  would  go  home  and  read,"  was  her  reply.     "I  think  you 


BEREA  VED.  215 

had  better  stay  to  the  meeting,"  rejoined  her  friend.  "  Come  with 
mer"  and,  taking  her  hand,  led  her  into  that  room  where  the  dear 
Savior  was  waiting  to  meet  and  bless  His  disciples  who  longed  to 
get  nearer  to  Him.  What  a  blessing  was  that  dear  child  of  God 
instrumental  in  bringing  upon  Mary,  by  that  kind  invitation  to 
remain  with  those  praying  ones!  How  many  others  might  be 
blessed  by  similar  invitations. 

In  the  evening  meeting,  when  the  invitation  was  given,  Mary 
was  one  of  the  first  to  indicate  her  purpose  to  be  all  the  Lord's. 
On  the  following  evening  she  attended  a  meeting  of  the  teachers  of 
the  mission  Sabbath-school,  in  which  she  was  a  faithful  teacher, 
and  her  flushed  cheeks  and  brilliant  eyes  caused  the  remark,  "How 
well  Mary  looks!  she  never  seemed  brighter." 

Buoyant  and  joyous  as  a  bird  she  entered  her  home  that  night 
and,  opening  her  melodeon,  said,  "I must  practice  the  '  Song  of  the 
Angels,'  for  I  shall  have  to  play  it  at  the  Christmas  festival." 
Sweetly  she  sang  and  played  the  beautiful  piece ;  then,  closing  the 
instrument,  hastened  up-stairs  to  retire.  Lingering  long  upon  her 
knees,  she  seemed  devoutly  pouring  out  her  soul  to  God.  Next 
morning  Mary  said,  on  awakening,  "I  feel  unusually  well  this 
morning,"  and,  hastening  to  dress,  went  down  into  the  kitchen  to 
prepare  breakfast. 

Suddenly  a  severe  pain  seized  her  heart,  and  she  ran  into  the 
parlor,  exclaiming  to  her  sister,  "Oh,  I  never  had  such  a  pain  as 
this!"  and  sank  down  upon  the  floor,  saying,  "Come,  blessed 
Jesus !  "  As  soon  as  I  saw  her  I  feared  she  was  struck  with  death ! 
"Is  my  darling  to  be  torn  away  from  me  so  suddenly  ?"  I  said, 
"how  can  I  bear  it?"  and  my  poor  heart  was  wrung  with 
anguish.  Then  a  voice  whispered  to  the  inner  ear,  "  Would  you 
not  be  willing  to  have  her  taken  from  you  now,  if  the  result  would 
be  a  revival  in  your  church  and  the  salvation  of  souls  ?  "  My  heart 
replied,  "Yes,  blessed  Lord,  do  as  Thou  wilt,  I  know  she  is  safe; 
and  if  the  dead  church  may  be  quickened,  and  souls  saved  by  her 
death,  I  am  willing  Thou  shouldst  take  her."  * 

*  Her  sudden  death  and  the  glorious  triumph  of  her  last  hours  did,  indeed,  result 
in  the  quickening  of  many  souls,  and  an  interest  in  the  subject  of  entire  conformity 
to  the  Bible  standard,  which,  on  Sabbath  afternoons,  filled  with  earnest  seekers  that 
room  where  Mary  had  "washed  her  robes  and  made  them  white  in  the  blood  of  the 
Lamb,"  and  several  of  her  unconverted  friends  were  awakened  and  saved. 


216  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

Then  the  blessed  Spirit  came  upon  me  in  a  wonderful  manner, 
filling  my  heart  with  an  unspeakable  sense  of  God's  love  and  good- 
ness and  of  His  special  pleasure  in  my  acquiescence  in  His  will. 

That  daughter  was  dear  as  my  own  soul.  She  was  the  light  of 
our  house,  and  I  had  so  fondly  cherished  her,  it  was  like  tearing 
my  heart  asunder  to  part  with  her;  yet,  0  how  sweetly  was  I  kept, 
by  divine  power,  from  sinking  amid  the  deep,  deep  waters  ! 

Amid  her  intense  sufferings  I  said  to  her,  "Mary,  dear,  you 
know  I  have  told  you  of  many  attacks  of  illness  which  have  brought 
me  near  death,  and  how,  in  the  midst  of  extreme  sufferings,  Jesus 
has  always  so  sweetly  comforted  me.  Now  look  to  Him  and  He 
will  comfort  you."  Looking  at  me  with  a  sweet  smile,  she  said: 
"Yes,  mother,  I  know,  and  this  morning  those  words  were  given 
me,  'As  one  whom  His  mother  comforteth,  so  will  I  comfort  you.'  " 
"And  does  He  comfort  you,  dear?"  I  asked.  "Yes,  He  does," 
she  replied,  and  her  face  lighted  up  with  celestial  radiance.  Her 
pastor  came  to  see  her,  and  said:  "Mary,  are  you  ready  to  go  if 
God  should  call  you  now  ?  "  "  Yes,  sir,"  she  replied,  and  added: 
1 '  I'm  so  glad  that  I  went  to  that  meeting  on  Sabbath  afternoon, 
for  Jesus  has  been  nearer  to  me  ever  since."  Afterward  she  asked 
us  to  sing  "Rock  of  Ages,  cleft  for  me,"  saying,  "  I  always  loved 
it  so."  Then  lifting  her  eyes  upward,  she  said:  "I  am  willing  to 
go,  blessed  Jesus,  if  it  is  Thy  will."  Just  as  her  life  was  ebbing 
out  she  fixed  her  eyes  upon  a  relative  who  was  not  a  Christian,  and 
exclaimed,  "What  could  we  do  without  Jesus  ?  "  Those  were  her 
last  words!  In  a  few  minutes  her  spirit  winged  its  upward  flight 
to  "the  palace  of  angels  and  God." 

My  poor  heart  was  crushed  by  the  dreadful  blow,  but  the  sooth- 
ing balm  of  Jesus'  love  took  away  all  the  pain,  and  calmly  I  rested 
in  His  arms.  As  a  suffering  infant  in  the  embrace  of  its  loving 
mother  forgets  its  anguish  and  is  soothed  into  sweet  repose,  so  was 
I  comforted,  and  so  wonderfully  lifted  up  and  girded  with  strength 
through  all  that  scene  of  suffering  and  death  and  funeral  services 
and  burial,  that  my  friends  were  astonished  at  the  calmness  and 
peacefulness  of  my  spirit. 

A  lady  who  called  to  see  me  on  the  day  following  our  dear  one's 
departure,  and  expressed  her  deep  sympathy,  afterward  said  to  a 
friend  concerning  me,  "She  is  a  perfect  mystery.  Why,  I  found 
her  as  calm  and  unmoved  as  if  nothing  had  happened.    Only  think 


BEREA  VED.  217 

what  a  loss  she  has  sustained!  Such  a  lovely  daughter;  torn  away 
from  her  so  suddenly ;  only  sick  a  few  hours.  And  yet  to  manifest 
no  grief  !  Well,  I  can't  understand  it  !  "  Ah,  no  wonder  the  dear 
woman  could  not  understand  it.  She  knew  not  the  power  of  the 
great  salvation,  which,  as  a  mighty  bulwark,  surrounded  me, 
guarding  my  soul  from  every  ill,  and  keeping  me  in  perfect  peace. 

Mr.  Edmund  J.  Yard,  whose  life-work  his  sister  has  so 
beautifully  described  in  the  Soul  Winner,  suddenly  de- 
parted, Nov.  6,  1876.  On  that  day  his  sister  wrote  to 
her  son : 

Although  I  have  felt  for  a  long  time  that  his  hold  on  life  was 
extremely  slender,  on  account  of  his  advanced  age,  yet  the  an- 
nouncement of  his  death  came  with  a  sad  surprise  that  almost 
overcame  me.  I  was  not  able  to  endure  such  a  shock,  having 
suffered  last  night  from  another  attack  of  sickness.  Immediately 
was  taken  worse,  from  the  excitement,  and  am  scarcely  able  to 
write.  ...  I  had  desired  very  much  to  be  with  my  dear 
brother  at  the  close  of  his  life,  but  this  privilege  was  not  given 
me.  I  am  thankful  to  have  had  twTo  interviews  with  him  within 
the  last  three  weeks.  How  sweet  the  thought  of  the  bliss  which 
his  freed  spirit  knows  in  the  bright  world  above.  .  .  .  Dear, 
sainted  one,  how  precious  he  was  to  me  !  His  departure  will  be 
felt  by  us  all  and  by  multitudes  who  knew  and  loved  him.  .  .  . 
May  we  be  followers  of  them  who  through  faith  and  patience 
inherit  the  promise  ! 

Mr.  Joseph  A.  Yard,  the  last  remaining  brother  of 
Mrs.  James,  was  in  many  respects  a  remarkable  man. 
His  devotion  to  suffering  humanity  during  the  visitation 
of  the  cholera  at  Trenton,  in  1832,  was  so  great  as  to 
receive  honorable  recognition  from  the  city  authorities. 
For  many  years  he  was  keeper  of  the  New  Jersey  State 
Prison,  a  position  for  which  he  had  extraordinary  quali- 
fications. His  knowledge  of  human  nature  and  com- 
10 


218  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

mand  over  men  enabled  him,  without  harshness,  to  con- 
trol even  the  desperadoes  who  came  into  his  charge. 
When  the  war  with  Mexico  broke  out  he  was  requested 
by  President  Polk  to  accept  a  commission  as  captain, 
which  he  did.     His  sister  says  of  him : 

It  had  often  been  a  matter  of  wonder  why  he  should  have  been 
permitted  to  enter  upon  such  a  campaign  ;  so  useful  a  Christian 
man  to  engage  in  carnal  warfare.  But,  whether  right  or  wrong, 
God  in  a  wonderful  manner  overruled  it  for  good.  Seeds  of  Gos- 
pel truth  were  planted  in  Mexico  by  that  pioneer  missionary  soldier 
in  the  war  of  1847.  He  there  preached  Jesus  and  the  great  salva- 
tion, although  not  then  a  licensed  preacher.  By  his  kindness  to 
the  Mexicans  he  so  won  their  hearts  that  they  listened  to  his  words 
with  attention  and  interest. 

His  knowledge  of  medicine  gave  him  access  to  the  sick,  and  in 
presenting  to  them  Jesus  as  the  Great  Physician  he  won  some 
precious  souls  to  Christ.  An  Indian  Catholic  was  sick  from 
hemorrhage  and  he  came  to  the  "captain  doctor,"  who  was  then 
in  military  command  of  the  town,  to  receive  medical  treatment; 
was  informed  that  he  could  only  live  a  short  time,  and  was  in- 
structed concerning  the  way  of  salvation  through  Christ.  The 
poor  Indian's  benighted  mind  became  enlightened,  and  he  appre- 
hended Jesus  as  the  Great  High-Priest  by  whom  ample  atonement 
had  been  made  for  the  whole  human  race,  and  trusted  in  Him  as 
his  Savior.  When  dying,  his  friend,  wishing  to  know  whether 
the  dying  man's  trust  in  Christ  was  complete,  asked  him  :  "John, 
do  you  wish  to  have  the  priest,  and  the  rites  of  the  church  adminis- 
tered ? "  The  man  opened  his  great  black  eyes,  and  staring,  as 
with  amazement  and  horror,  exclaimed:  "Not  if  what  you  have 
told  me  is  true  1 "  His  friend  said:  "It  is  true,  John;  every 
word  I  have  said  to  you  is  true,  and  if  you  are  trusting  in  Jesus, 
you  need  no  priest,  you  are  safe !  "  Then  his  countenance  bright- 
ened, and  peacefully  he  fell  asleep  in  the  arms  of  Jesus,  a  trophy 
of  the  cross  on  Mexican  soil. 

Captain  Yard  was  compelled  to  leave  Mexico  on  ac- 
count of  ill  health.     For  weeks  his  life  was  despaired  of, 


BEREA  VEB.  219 

but  he  was  restored,  as  his  sister  believed,  in  answer  to- 
ner prayers.  After  his  return  from  Mexico  Captain  Yard 
passed  through  a  great  variety  of  experiences  and  was 
at  one  time  in  a  state  of  alienation  from  God.  His  sis- 
ter's faith  held  him,  and,  after  years  of  wandering,  he  re- 
turned to  his  first  love  and  became  eminently  useful.  In 
his  advancing  years  he  received  license  as  a  local  minis- 
ter of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  his  rare  gifts 
were  devoted  to  the  work  of  God.  His  death  occurred 
October  18,  1878.  Some  particulars  are  given  by  Mrs. 
James  in  a  letter  written  to  her  son  from  Farmingdale, 
K  J. : 

I  was  summoned  here  yesterday  on  account  of  the  serious  illness 
of  your  dear  Uncle  Joseph.  From  the  telegram  I  feared  he  was 
dying,  and  the  cherished  wish  of  my  heart,  to  be  with  him  in 
his  last  hours,  prompted  the  prayer  that  he  might  live  and  retain 
consciousness  till  I  could  see  him.  My  desire  was  granted.  He 
was  living  and  knew  me.  I  asked:  "Is  Jesus  precious  to  you 
now?"  "Yes  1"  he  replied,  and  afterward  looking  at  me  said: 
"How  sweet  the  name  of  Jesus  sounds."  Three  times  afterward 
he  repeated  those  words,  gasping  for  breath.  They  were  his  last 
utterance.  He  fell  asleep  in  Jesus  at  seven  and  a  half  o'clock 
last  evening. 

The  last  of  my  nine  dear  brothers  has  departed,  and  I  alone  am 
left  of  a  family  of  ten.     I  feel  like  saying  : 

"  Behold,  I  stand  on  Jordan's  strand, 
My  friends  are  passing  over, 
And  just  before,  the  shining  shore 
I  now  almost  discover." 

It  does,  indeed,  bring  heaven  very  near,  and  I  realize  that  I,  too, 
will  soon  pass  over. 

This  youngest  and  most  feeble  one  of  the  large  family 
survived  the  last  of  her  brothers  about  seven  years.     In 


220  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

parting  with  them  and  in  all  her  sorrows  the  "  Friend  that 
sticketh  closer  than  a  brother  "  sustained  and  comforted 
her.  In  these  experiences  of  woe  came  richest  consola- 
tions and  most  precious  spiritual  gifts.  Verily,  "  God  is 
our  refuge  and  strength ;  a  very  present  help  in  time  of 
trouble." 


CHAPTEE  VII. 

AMONG    LITTLE    PEOPLE. 

The  fact  that  she  herself  was  converted  while  yet  a 
child  may  have  given  Mrs.  James  special  confidence  and 
interest  in  efforts  to  lead  little  ones  to  Christ.  We  have 
already  seen  the  young  girl  entering  enthusiastically  upon 
this  work,  and  have  noted  that,  soon  after  her  removal  to 
Mount  Holly,  she  was  made  superintendent  of  the  female 
department  of  the  Sunday-school  there.  When  it  was  de- 
cided to  form  an  "infant  class"  in  connection  with  the 
school,  Mrs.  James  was  selected  to  have  charge  of  that  class. 
The  enthusiasm  with  which  she.  entered  upon  this  work, 
and  the  zeal  and  skill  with  which  she  sought  not  only 
to  impart  instruction  but  to  impress  little  hearts  and  win 
them  for  Jesus,  can  be  better  imagined  than  described. 
To  be  sure,  the  u  blackboards,"  "  leaf -clusters,"  "  object- 
lessons,"  and  modern  helps  in  primary  work  were  not  at 
hand,  but  there  was  no  lack  of  attention  in  that  room, 
where  two  or  three  scores  of  tiny  ones  gathered  for  an 
hour  with  their  consecrated  teacher.  Other  pastors 
would  doubtless  corroborate  the  statement  of  the  vener- 
able Dr.  John  S.  Porter,  her  pastor  in  1852  and  1853, 
given  in  his  letter  to  the  writer  of  this  volume,  dated 
July  16,  1884,  and  elsewhere  quoted. 

11  In  the  Sunday-school  she  was  an  earnest  and  efficient  worker. 
To  her  was  committed  the  infant  class,  and  it  was  a  favored  place 
to  be  for  a  while  on  Sunday  afternoon,  to  witness  the  loving  skill 


222  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

with  which  the  service  was  conducted.  Her  best  gifts  here  found 
a  congenial  opportunity  for  her  best  work,  the  training  of  the  little 
ones,  the  feediug  of  Christ's  lambs." 

The  teacher's  methods  of  working  were  somewhat 
unique,  especially  for  the  time  when  they  were  intro- 
duced, more  than  forty  years  ago.  A  Bible  story  would 
be  told  in  simple,  childlike  words,  and  with  such  anima- 
tion, and  in  such  a  dramatic  way  as  could  scarcely  fail  to 
hold  attention  and  fix  points  in  the  memory  of  the  little 
listeners.  It  was  not  "unusual  to  see  eyes  moist,  or  to 
find  the  youthful  Bible-students  greatly  moved  under 
these  recitals.  Then  came  questions,  to  ascertain  how 
fully  the  story  was  apprehended,  and  to  help  the  memory. 
At  subsequent  meetings  review-questions  were  asked,  and 
there  was  such  repetition  as  made  it  hard  to  forget  the 
lesson  that  had  been  imparted. 

Her  ways  of  working  were  to  some  extent  brought  out 
in  a  little  volume  published  by  the  Methodist  Book  Con- 
cern about  thirty  years  ago,  entitled  Infant  School  Les- 
son Booh.  In  this,  the  record  of  the  six  days  of  Creation, 
the  Fall,  the  leading  events  of  the  Savior's  life,  and  some 
other  Bible  stories  were  presented  in  her  fresh  and  graph- 
ic way,  with  suggestions  to  teachers  or  parents  who 
might  use  the  book.  Children,  upon  listening  to  the  read- 
ing of  these  stories,  would  ask :  "  Are  you  reading  or 
are  you  talking?"  so  fully  had  her  natural  method  of 
presenting  truth  been  transferred  to  the  printed  page. 
Of  this  book,  her  friend,  Mrs.  Boyle,  says :  "  It  was  a 
great  assistance  to  me  in  imprinting  Scripture  truth  on 
the  minds  of  my  little  ones." 

No  work  seems  for  the  time  less  likely  to  result  in  per- 
manent good  than  that  for  very  little  children.  And  yet 
the  heart  of  this  seeker  after  saving  results  was  often  en- 


AMONG  LITTLE  PEOPLE.  223 

couraged  to  find  that  her  labors  for  the  tiny  ones  were 
not  lost.  Not  many  years  before  her  death,  she  casually 
met  the  pastor  of  one  of  the  large  churches  in  the  vicinity 
of  New  York.  In  the  course  of  conversation  he  re- 
marked :  "  I  suppose  you  will  be  surprised  to  know  that 
it  is  so,  but  my  first  religious  impressions  were  received 
when  I  was  in  your  infant  class  in  Mount  Holly."  Not 
a  few  now  faithfully  serving  God  and  the  church  in 
various  spheres  might  bear  a  testimony  like  this  of  the 
Rev.  Dr.  James  M.  Buckley. 

Her  charge  of  the  primary  class  in  Mount  Holly  ended 
only  when  she  removed  from  the  place.  Similar  work 
was  afterward  assigned  to  her  in  Trenton.  While  yet 
devoting  Sunday  afternoons  to  the  Mount  Holly  class 
she  considered  herself  providentially  called  to  additional 
work,  which  is  thus  described  : 

A  new  field  of  labor  claimed  the  attention  of  this  Christian 
worker  at  a  time  when  all  her  friends  thought  she  was  already  over- 
burdened with  work.  A  settlement  of  colored  people  in  the  vicin- 
ity without  a  Sabbath-school,  the  children  having  no  instruction, 
presented  a  powerful  appeal  for  Christian  labor. 

After  earnest  prayer,  she  felt  assured  it  was  her  duty  to  go  there 
and  instruct  those  neglected  people  in  the  Scriptures.  At  first  her 
husband  remonstrated  on  accouutof  her  want  of  physical  strength, 
but  she  said  :  "  Surely  it  w^as  God  who  put  the  desire  in  my  heart  to 
go,  and  if  so,  He  will  give  me  strength  to  do  what  His  Spirit  sug- 
gested." The  way  was  soon  opened  by  the  provision  of  a  convey- 
ance, and  every  Sabbath  morning  from  nine  to  ten  o'clock  she  taught 
children  and  adults  the  blessed  truths  of  the  Bible.  The  interest 
they  manifested  was  most  encouraging.  Their  glistening  eyes 
were  fixed  upon  her  with  earnest  gaze  as  she  related  the  histories 
so  full  of  thrilling  interest,  and  sometimes,  when  speaking  of  the 
divine  interposition,  as  in  the  case  of  Joseph  and  Daniel  and  the 
three  Hebrews,  there  would  be  a  loud  response  of  "  Glory  to  God!  " 
while  the  ebony  faces  would  shine  and  the  tears  flow  plenteously. 


224  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS   JAMES. 

To  many  of  them  these  wondrous  stories  were  new,  and  it  was 
really  cheering  to  see  with  what  zest  they  would  take  them  in. 
But  the  story  of  Jesus'  love  caused  their  hearts  to  glow  with  a 
deeper  joy.  Some  of  the  older  ones  had  been  slaves,  and,  while  in 
bondage,  had  heard  the  story  of  the  cross  and  found  Jesus.  Real- 
izing their  glorious  liberty  in  Christ,  many  a  shout  of  triumph  went 
up  from  their  glad  hearts. 

As  long  as  her  strength  and  circumstances  allowed,  she  contin- 
ued to  cultivate  that  interesting  field.  At  length  she  succeeded  in 
inducing  others  to  establish  a  regular  Sabbath-school  there.  She 
then  felt  herself  released,  and  soon  after  turned  her  attention  to 
another  destitute  settlement  of  the  same  race,  not  so  distant  from 
her  home. 

To  walk  three-fourths  of  a  mile  under  the  burning  rays  of  a  sum- 
mer's sun,  through  the  hot  sand  most  of  the  way,  seemed  a  task 
for  one  not  vigorous  in  health,  yet  it  was  gladly  done,  with  so 
glorious  an  object  in  view  as  the  elevation  and  salvation  of  those 
poor  down-trodden  ones,  who  had  been  saying,  "No  man  careth 
for  my  soul." 

Some  years  after  the  entrance  of  Mrs.  James  upon 
primary  work  in  the  Sunday-school,  the  conversion  of  a 
number  of  the  children  led  to  her  appointment  to  a  posi- 
tion not  less  congenial,  that  of  leader  of  a  class  of  Chris- 
tian boys  and  girls.  It  met  on  Saturday  afternoons. 
Here  she  sought  by  careful  instruction,  as  well  as  by  ex- 
ercises adapted  to  promote  religious  feeling,  to  build  up 
those  committed  to  her  in  the  Christian  life.  Here,  too, 
her  labors  were  signally  blessed  of  God  and  the  results 
brought  honor  to  Him.  Similar  work  in  Trenton,  during 
her  later  residence  there,  found  a  like  reward. 

Another  kind  of  labor  for  children  is  spoken  of  by  Mrs. 
Boyle  in  the  letter  from  which  quotations  have  already 
been  introduced  into  this  volume.     Mrs.  Boyle  remarks  : 

"I think  she  inaugurated  the  religious  meetings  for  children  at 
our  camp-meetings,  now  so  commonly  held  and  with  such  glorious 


AMONG  LITTLE  PEOPLE.  225 

results.  She  held  one  in  Delaware,  full  of  deep  interest  both  to 
children  and  adults.  It  was  a  novelty  then  and  was  enthusiastically 
accepted." 

The  peculiar  power  over  children  which  this  teacher 
was  permitted  to  wield  is  illustrated  in  some  incidents 
connected  with  her  work  in  the  Children's  Home  in  Tren- 
ton. From  the  foundation  of  that  institution  it  was  her 
habit  frequently  to  visit  it  and  talk  to  the  little  inmates, 
so  utterly  lacking  in  religious  knowledge.  In  her  first 
report  as  secretary  Mrs.  James  remarks : 

The  attention  and  interest  manifested  by  the  children  when 
listening  to  religious  instruction,  and  their  frequent  request, 
"Tell  us  more  about  Jesus,"  evinces  that  their  hearts  are  not  un- 
touched by  the  power  of  His  love  who  said,  "  Suffer  little  children 
to  come  unto  Me  and  forbid  them  not,  for  of  such  is  the  kingdom  of 
heaven."  Many  instances  tending  to  show  that  such  labors  are  not 
lost  upon  them  might  be  given,  but  we  will  give  one  only.  A  little 
boy  of  uncommon  promise,  seven  years  old,  thus  accosted  one  of 
the  ladies  who  often  talks  to  the  children:  "  O  do  please  tell  us  all 
about  Jesus,  for  I  do  love  Him  so.  I  like  Him  and  I  love  Him  and 
I  pray  to  Him  every  day  and  try  to  be  good.  Won't  you  please 
to  pray  to  God  to  give  me  a  new  heart  ?  Pray  now,  won't  you,  for 
I  do  want  a  new  heart  and  I  want  to  go  to  heaven  when  I  die.  " 
Many  more  joined  in  the  same  request,  and,  kneeling  in  prayer,  they 
seemed  as  devout  as  adult  worshipers  engaged  in  supplication. 

Even  the  most  ferocious  of  the  little  creatures  brought 
into  the  Home  yielded  to  the  gentle  sway  of  this  Christly 
spirit.  Among  the  incidents  in  an  appendix  to  the  same 
report  of  the  Children's  Home  is  "  the  case  of  a  little 
boy  scarcely  five  years  old." 

When  he  came  into  the  Home  he  appeared  more  like  a  young 
hyena  than  a  human  being.     His  passions,  unusually  strong,  hav- 
ing never  been  restrained,  his  temper  the  most  violent,  his  habits 
the  most  debased  and  corrupt,  his  language  profane  and  obscene — 
10* 


226  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

it  seemed  really  impossible  that  a  child  of  such  tender  age  could 
be  so  depraved.  The  first  Sabbath  he  spent  at  the  Home  a  gentle- 
man held  him  all  the  time  during  the  Sabbath-school  exercises,  to 
prevent  him  from  injuring  the  other  children,  as  he  would  kick 
and  strike  and  bite  every  one  that  came  in  his  way.  It  was  almost 
impossible  to  hold  him,  and  when  he  found  that  he  could  not  be  lib- 
erated he  would  spit  in  the  face  of  the  person  who  held  him,  mak- 
ing every  demonstration  of  wrath  and  determination  to  free  him- 
self. When  told  that  he  must  be  good,  he  replied:  "I  won't  be 
good,  I'll  be  bad."  A  lady  said  to  him:  "Do  you  know  God  is 
looking  at  you?''  "There  ain't  no  God,"  he  said.  "Yes,  there 
is  a  God,  and  He's  looking  at  you  all  the  time."  "  No,  he  can't  see 
me.  He  ain't  here;  I  know  He  ain't."  During  the  singing  he  put 
his  fingers  in  his  ears,  saying:  "I  won't  hear  that."  It  seemed  in 
vain  to  make  any  effort  to  interest  him  in  any  subject.  He  would 
not  listen  for  a  moment.  The  matron  was  obliged  to  keep  him 
tied  nearly  all  the  time. 

After  several  weeks  had  passed  and  many  efforts  had  been  made 
to  subdue  him  and  interest  his  mind  in  religious  subjects,  one  day, 
when  a  lady  [Mrs.  James]  was  talking  to  the  children  about  God, 
she  discovered  that  little  boy  looking  at  her  very  earnestly  and  with 
evident  interest.  After  she  ceased  talking  he  asked  her:  "Does 
God  see  me  ?  Does  He  see  me  in  the  dark,  too  ?  Will  He  take  me 
to  heaven  if  I  am  good  ?  How  will  He  take  me  there  ?  Will  He 
give  me  wings  to  fly  there  ?  "  After  his  questions  were  answered 
he  seemed  to  be  in  deep  thought  for  a  minute  or  more.  Then, 
with  great  seriousness  and  emphasis  he  said:  "  I  mean  to  be  good. 
I  won't  tell  lies  any  more  and  I  won't  say  bad  words  either." 

From  that  time  there  was  a  great  change  in  that  little  boy.  He 
said  one  day  to  a  visitor :  "I  pray  every  morning  and  every  night 
and  try  to  be  good.     I  don't  say  naughty  words  any  more." 

Mrs.  E.  E.  Baldwin,  the  wife  of  the  Kev.  S.  L.  Bald- 
win, D.D.,  for  about  a  score  of  years  associated  with  her 
husband  in  missionary  labor  in  China,  and  now  a  most 
efficient  helper  in  all  Christian  enterprises,  thus  writes  of 
the  influence  of  this  friend  of  children  upon  a  mind  very 
different  from  that  just  described. 


AMONG  LITTLE  PEOPLE.  227 

"The  memory  of  your  dear  mother  is  very  precious  to  me.  I 
can  never  forget  the  impression  she  made  upon  me  when  but  a 
mere  child.  I  was  away  from  my  own  home  attending  a  private 
school  in  Salem,  N.  J.  Brother  George  Hughes  was  pastor  of  the 
Methodist  Church  in  that  place  at  that  time,  and  Mrs.  James  was 
the  guest  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hughes.  From  the  first  moment  I  looked 
iifto  her  sweet  face  my  heart  was  drawn  to  her.  She  addressed 
our  Sabbath-school,  and  urged  upon  the  scholars  the  beauty,  joy, 
and  safety  of  a  Christian  life,  and  afterward  met  with  a  few  of  us 
alone.  She  appeared  to  me  like  a  saint  ready  to  be  translated.  The 
humble,  trustful,  loving  spirit  spoke  in  her  words  and  shone  from 
her  face.  From  a  very  little  girl  I  had  been  trying  to  walk  in  the 
good  way,  and  she  spoke  helpful,  encouraging  words  to  me,  and 
earnest,  entreating  words  to  my  young  friends  who  had  not  given 
their  hearts  to  the  Savior. 

"Years  went  by.  Many,  many  changes  came  to  me.  I  did  not 
again  see  her  until  our  return  from  China  in  1870.  But  in  all  those 
years  that  impression  that  she  made  upon  me  when  a  child,  of  a 
pure,  saintly  life,  was  never  lost.  Words  from  her  active  pen  came 
to  me  with  double  power  because  of  that  impression.  And  when  I 
met  her  again,  after  the  years  had  robbed  her  of  physical  strength 
and  vigor,  I  found  her  strong  in  Christ;  the  same  meek,  loving, 
consecrated  spirit.  What  an  impression  was  that  she  made  upon 
the  child-heart  in  a  single  interview,  that  long  years  and  a  varied 
life  has  never  effaced !  Hers,  indeed,  was  a  rare  spirit.  The  Di- 
vine seemed  to  reign  in  and  about  her,  refining,  consecrating,  set- 
ting her  apart  for  holy  work.  Her  departure  to  the  heavenly  land, 
so  like  a  translation,  seemed  eminently  fitting.  She  was  not,  for 
God  took  her.  It  is  a  pleasure  for  me  to  think  of  her,  and  some- 
time, when  the  journey  of  life  is  over,  its  storms  all  past,  I  hope  to 
meet  her  in  the  quiet,  safe  harbor." 

If  in  any  mind  the  query  has  arisen  whether  the  influ- 
ence of  this  laborer  with  little  ones  was  confined  to  those 
whose  meeting  with  her  was  but  casual;  whether  her 
efforts  were  directed  chiefly  to  children  of  homes  other 
than  her  own,  the  following,  from  Fifty  Years'  Walk 
with  Jesus,  may  furnish  an  answer : 


228  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

The  religious  culture  of  her  precious  children  was  an  engross- 
ino1  object  of  their  mother  from  the  first  evidences  of  their  com- 
prehending the  meaning  of  language.  It  seemed  to  her  a  matter 
of  the  greatest  importance  to  sow  the  seed  of  Gospel  truth  in  the 
tender  heart,  before  the  Enemy  of  all  good  should  have  opportunity 
to  scatter  his  poisonous  seed.  Thus  the  soil,  preoccupied  with  the 
good,  would  not  be  subjected  to  the  pernicious  influences  of  the 
evil,  until  firmly  established  in  Christian  doctrines,  principles,  and 
practice. 

She  therefore  sought  to  fill  the  minds  of  her  little  ones  with  those 
gems  of  priceless  worth,  ere  their  lisping  tongues  could  utter  dis- 
tinctly the  words  they  had  learned.  Often  she  would  lead  her  lit- 
tle darlings  to  the  place  of  her  secret  devotions,  and  placing  her 
hand  on  their  heads  as  they  knelt  by  her  side,  plead  for  God's 
blessing  upon  them.  When  they  had  committed  a  fault  she  would, 
take  them  aside  for  prayer,  and,  with  tears,  ask  God  to  forgive  the 
erring  child  and  help  him  to  do  right.  After  having  talked  im- 
pressively, the  mother's  kiss  of  love  would  dry  the  tears,  and  the 
little  one  would  bound  away  with  the  promise,  "I  won't  be  naughty 
anymore."  The  little  heart  was  always  melted  and  subdued  by 
this  course,  and  in  after  years  those  children  said  to  their  mother 
many  times,  "Your  prayers  and  tears  had  more  power  to  save  me 
from  doing  wrong  than  all  the  punishment  that  could  have  been 
inflicted." 

Her  earnest  efforts  to  lead  them  to  Jesus  were  early  blessed. 
Having  taught  them  that  it  was  only  by  having  a  "new  heart "  and 
receiving  constant  help  from  God  that  they  could  always  do  right, 
they  were  very  desirous  to  obtain  the  great  blessing  which  their 
mother  told  them  was  for  little  children  as  well  as  for  grown  people. 

One  day  the  mother  heard  the  voice  of  her  little  son,  her  first- 
born, up-stairs  in  earnest  prayer.  Hastening  to  him,  she  found  him 
kneeling,  with  uplifted  eyes  and  flowing  tears,  pleading,  { '  O  Lord, 
do  for  Christ's  sake  forgive  my  sins  and  give  me  a  new  heart!" 
Kneeling  beside  him,  she  joined  her  fervent  supplications  with  his, 
and  soon  she  saw  his  sad  face  light  up  with  joy.  Clapping  his  lit- 
tle hands,  leaping  to  his  feet,  he  exclaimed,  "O  He  has  forgiven 
my  sins  and  given  me  a  new  heart  !     I'm  so  happy  !     I'm  so  glad  !  " 

That  was  a  moment  of  thrilling  rapture  to  the  mother's  heart. 
All  day  and  all  night  she  was  sending  up  praises  to  God.      "My 


AMONG  LITTLE  PEOPLE.  229 

child  is  the  Lord's  !  "  was  the  utterance  of  her  exulting  heart.  "My 
precious  boy  belongs  to  Jesus! "  the  happy  mother  said,  in  speak- 
ing of  his  conversion;  "I  gave  him  to  God  as  soon  as  I  called  him 
mine,  and  I  expected  He  would  claim  him  early  for  His  blessed 
service.  Indeed,  I  felt  sure  He  would.  And  now,  at  seven  years 
old,  he  has  become  a  child  of  God !  O  what  cause  for  gratitude 
and  praise  !     No  words  can  express  my  joy." 

The  memory  of  that  happy  day  is  still  fresh  to  that 
child-convert.  During  his  youth  he  lost,  for  a  time,  the 
sense  of  God's  favor,  yet  the  influence  of  that  childhood 
experience  was  not  lost.  The  reality  of  the  work  of 
grace  upon  his  youthful  heart  has  prompted  him  during 
his  whole  life  to  labor  earnestly  to  lead  even  very  little 
children  to  trust  Christ  as  a  personal  Savior,  and  he  be- 
lieves some  such  have  consciously  received  the  assurance 
of  a  part  with  God's  people,  and  entered  upon  the  Chris- 
tian life. 

Of  course,  little  children  are  prone  to  speedily  forget 
their  impressions  and  purposes,  and  wander  into  sin. 
They  need  constant,  tender  care.  But  what  converts  do 
not?  The  newly  saved  one  is  but  a  "babe"  in  Christ. 
There  may  be  in  that  new-born  soul  all  the  possibilities 
of  a  Wesley  or  a  Paul,  but  the  realization  of  those  pos- 
sibilities will  depend  upon  the  spiritual  culture  bestowed 
upon  the  frail  infant  in  the  spiritual  life  and  experience. 

The  truth  emphasized  by  this  narration  is  that  the 
conversion  of  a  child  may  be  as  genuine  and  the  results 
may  be  as  permanent  as  in  the  case  of  an  adult.  Bishop 
Waugh  once  said  to  Mrs.  James  that  his  observation  con- 
vinced him  that,  with  equal  care,  the  proportion  of  those 
continuing  steadfast  was  likely  to  be  quite  as  great  among 
children  as  among  those  of  riper  years.  Mr.  Spurgeon, 
the  London  Baptist  minister,  once  stated  that  of  hundreds 


230  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

received  into  his  church  in  childhood  not  one  had  re- 
quired to  be  disciplined  or  expelled.  The  faith  of  the 
Church  for  its  little  ones  is  yet  far  too  weak.  Most 
Christians  seem  to  act  as  if  they  expect  Satan  to  have 
the  first  years  of  a  life.  The  result,  in  a  vast  number  of 
cases,  is  that  he  gets  the  whole  life.  The  race  of  disciples 
whose  unbelief  and  lack  of  zeal  keep  the  little  ones  from 
the  Savior  is  not  yet  extinct.  We  need  the  rebuke  of 
the  all-wise  and  all-loving  Master :  "  Forbid  them  not, 
for  of  such  is  the  kingdom." 

Upon  whom  shall  this  work  of  leading  the  little  ones 
devolve,  if  not  upon  parents,  and  especially  mothers  ?  To 
every  mother  is  given  the  opportunity  of  making  the 
very  first  impressions.  She  may  not  delegate  even  to 
the  faithful  Sabbath-school  teacher  the  duty,  the  privi- 
lege, of  taking  that  tiny  hand  and  placing  it  in  the  hand 
of  the  divine  Friend.  Not  until  mothers  accept  the  God- 
given  honor  of  being  to  their  children  the  first  teachers 
of  Christian  truth,  the  right  and  privilege  of  bringing 
their  own  children  to  Jesus,  will  the  Church  take  its 
heaven-assigned  position. 

What  excuse  for  unfaithfulness  in  this  duty  can  a 
mother  give  ?  Will  she  plead  lack  of  talent  or  educa- 
tion ?  From  her  the  little  one  learns  to  talk.  Shall  not 
his  "  mother-tongue  "  be  the  "  language  of  Canaan "  ? 
Are  her  cares  too  many  %  Just  such  cares  were  to  this 
mother  all  the  more  crushing  because  her  health  was 
always  frail.  While  a  mother  can  find  time  to  prepare 
such  food  as  pampers  the  appetite  and  tends  to  awaken  a 
craving  for  stimulants,  or  such  clothing  as  fosters  the 
love  of  display,  she  may  not  be  excused  from  efforts  to 
feed  and  clothe  the  immortal  nature.  With  real  sym- 
pathy for  overburdened  mothers,  the  writer  is  moved  to 


AMONG  LITTLE  PEOPLE.  231 

express,  to  any  whose  eyes  may  rest  upon  this  page,  his 
profound  conviction  that  the  way  to  lessen  those  burdens 
is  to  recognize  each  child  as  belonging  to  God,  and  seek, 
from  his  first  intelligent  moments,  to  bring  him  to  so 
recognize  himself  and  secure  the  grace  to  live  a  right  life. 
Then  shall  family  government  be  made  easy,  for  each 
true  subject  of  the  King  will  gladly  submit  to  parents 
and  teachers.  Children  growing  up  with  this  spirit  will 
have  such  love  for  parents  as  will  make  them  willing 
sharers  of  their  cares  and  burdens,  real  helpers  in  the 
household. 

The  well-being  of  the  Church,  the  nation  of  the  future, 
will  depend  upon  the  character  of  the  children  of  to-day. 
God's  plan  is  that,  coming  into  His  kingdom  as  "  little 
children  "  and  brought  up  "  in  the  nurture  and  admoni- 
tion of  the  Lord,"  they  shall  from  the  beginning  have 
right  habits  and  become  stalwart  men  and  women  of 
God,  giving  a  right  conception  of  Christian  character 
and  conquering  the  world  for  Christ. 

Christian  mother,  let  no  thought  of  the  delinquencies 
of  others  hide  from  you  the  fact  that  your  child  must 
forever  bear,  for  weal  or  woe,  the  impress  of  your  hand. 

The  memory  of  that  hour  when  a  precious  mother 
knelt  by  the  side  of  her  child,  helping  his  prayer  for  a 
new  heart,  has  prompted  what  may  seem  a  digression. 
The  chapter  must  not  close  without  the  statement  that, 
throughout  her  life,  this  earnest  woman  continued  to 
labor  for  little  people  wherever  opportunity  occurred. 
During  a  series  of  years  she  found  time  each  month  to 
write  to  the  young  readers  of  the  Guide  to  Holiness  a  let- 
ter full  of  such  suggestions  as  children  need  and  Chris- 
tian children  prize.  Many  times  was  she  invited  to 
address  large  gatherings  of  little  people.     No  labors 


232  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

were  more  delightful  to  her,  none  more  signally  blessed 
by  the  Master  than  those  for  young  people. 

A  little  waif,  brought  to  a  Sunday-school  and  a  joyful 
acquaintance  with  the  "  Children's  Friend  "  by  a  faithful 
teacher,  in  her  dying  moments  said :  "  When  I  get  to 
heaven  I  will  thank  Jesus  for  sending  you  to  tell  me  of 
Him.  Then  I  will  sit  at  the  gate  and  wait  for  you. 
When  you  come,  I  will  take  you  to  Jesus  and  say, '  Here 
is  the  teacher  that  told  me  about  You.' " 

A  host  of  saved  children  were  waiting  for  this  earnest 
woman.     Dear  reader, 

"  Will  any  one  there,  by  the  beautiful  gate, 
Be  waiting  and  watching  for  thee?  " 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

THE   TIRELESS    PEN. 

From  her  very  early  schooldays  Mary  Yard  had  re- 
markable facility  and  found  great  delight  in  composition. 
From  the  time  of  her  complete  consecration  to  Christ  she 
regarded  her  pen  as  specially  set  apart  for  His  work. 

Christian  correspondence  was  the  chief  employment  of 
this  consecrated  pen.  The  writer  of  this  volume  has  now 
in  his  possession  about  fifteen  hundred  letters  written  by 
his  mother.  More  than  four  hundred  were  addressed  to 
the  mother  of  Mrs.  James,  a  still  larger  number  to  her 
son.  Next  to  these  is  the  package  to  Miss  Rogers,  in- 
cluding those  written  after  she  became  Mrs.  Dr.  Harlow ; 
but  letters  to  the  Rev.  R.  B.  Yard,  Rev.  J.  J.  Matthias, 
Mrs.  Bishop  Hamline  and  others,  may  be  reckoned  by 
scores.  It  is  a  noteworthy  fact  that  rarely  was  the 
most  hurried  note  or  even  postal-card  sent  without  some 
expression  which  breathed  the  all-pervading  piety  of  the 
writer.  In  nearly  all  of  these  letters  the  subject  of  re- 
ligion is  the  staple,  as  it  is  evidently  the  inspiration. 
The  letters  and  extracts  and  poems,  introduced  because 
of  their  bearing  upon  facts  of  the  history,  have  given  the 
reader  an  idea  of  the  characteristics  of  the  style  of  this 
correspondent.  Hers  was,  indeed,  the  "  pen  of  the  ready 
writer."  It  seemed  to  almost  fly  across  the  page,  and 
yet  her  chirography  Avas  usually  very  legible.  When 
writing  for  the  press  she  was  particularly  careful.  The 
perfect  freedom  of  hand,  the  smoothness,  the  shading, 


234  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

even  the  flourish  illustrated  in  her  signature,  were  charac- 
teristics of  the  handwriting  to  the  very  last  autograph, 
written  a  few  moments  before  the  pen  was  dropped  for- 
ever. 

To  how  many  hearts  her  letters  of  encouragement, 
counsel,  or  consolation  have  been  messages  from  God 
will  never  be  known  until  the  unfolding  of  the  records 
in  another  world.  It  was  her  joy  as  well  as  felt  duty  to 
seize  the  first  opportunity  after  learning  of  any  important 
event  in  the  history  of  one  who  seemed  to  have  claims 
upon  her,  or  whom  she  hoped  to  help,  to  make  that  event 
the  subject  of  a  letter,  leading  the  thoughts  from  the  oc- 
currence to  the  divine  Euler  of  all  things.  Especially 
was  this  true  of  the  reception  of  such  intelligence  as  that 
of  conversion  or  entrance  upon  a  life  of  entire  devotion 
to  God.  The  expressions  of  joyful  sympathy  with  the  soul 
newly  blessed,  and  the  words  of  wise  instruction,  caution, 
or  inspiration,  have  proved  to  hundreds  a  life-long  bene- 
diction. 

Years  ago  Mrs.  James  wrote  to  a  young  relative  words 
of  Christian  sympathy  and  counsel.  The  letter  produced 
little  impression  at  the  time  of  its  receipt,  but  within  the 
past  few  months  its  possessor,  now  in  deep  affliction  and 
well-nigh  in  despair,  casually  found  and  re-read  it.  It 
came  as  a  message  from  heaven,  and  seemed  to  lift  her 
spirit  above  its  weight  of  woe. 

Those  who  have  kindly  placed  letters  at  the  disposal  of 
Mrs.  James's  biographer  have  been  careful  to  remind  him 
of  their  preciousness  and  insist  upon  their  return.  Hun- 
dreds of  such  treasures  have  been  carefully  guarded  till 
the  paper  has  become  worn  and  time-stained.  It  would 
be  worth  one  lifetime  to  accomplish  the  good  achieved 
by  the  private  correspondence  of  this  earnest  writer. 


THE  TIBELESS  PEN.  235 

With  the  increasing  cares  of  her  family,  as  is  stated 
elsewhere,  there  came  a  period,  embracing  several  years, 
in  which  she  wrote  very  little.  Her  own  account  of  the 
circumstances  connected  with  her  taking  up,  with  new 
and  never-waning  interest,  this  kind  of  service  for  Christ 
is  as  follows : 

Divine  guidance  through  human  instrumentality  had  often  been 
imparted  to  the  Christian  pilgrim  as  with  sincere  heart  she  daily- 
prayed  :  "Teach  me  Thy  way,  O  Lord,  show  me  Thy  paths." 
Now,  in  loving-kindness,  the  God  whom  she  served  sent  to  her,  on 
a  special  errand  of  love,  a  precious  friend  who  had  many  times 
given  her  aid  in  her  heavenward  journey,  Mrs.  Dr.  Palmer. 

She  found  the  young  mother  busily  engaged  in  making  clothes 
for  her  children.  The  question  was  asked  :  "Do  you  spend  much 
of  your  time  in  this  way  ?"  She  replied  :  "Yes,  I  make  all  my 
own  clothes,  and  my  children's  also ;  am  dressmaker,  milliner,  and 
tailoress  for  my  family." 

Mrs.  P.,  knowing  that  her  husband's  circumstances  at  that  time 
were  not  such  as  to  render  it  necessary  that  her  time  should  be 
devoted  to  such  work,  expressed  surprise,  and  said,  "I  seldom 
see  anything  from  your  pen,  and  this  accounts  for  it.  Can  you 
justify  yourself  before  God  in  laying  aside  a  work  to  which  He  has 
evidently  called  you  and  giving  your  precious  time  and  energies 
to  that  which  others  could  do  in  your  stead  ?  The  work  required 
of  you,  writing  for  Jesus,  is  of  vast  importance.  This  no  one  can 
do  for  you,  but  making  garments  others  can  do  in  your  place." 

To  aid  her  husband  by  being  an  industrious  and  efficient  wife, 
saving  the  expense  of  hiring  extra  help,  etc.,  was  acknowledged 
as  the  motive,  and  not  because  there  was  real  necessity.  Then  her 
faithful  friend  showed  her  the  mistake  she  had  made.  "Suppose 
by  making  that  little  dress  in  your  hands  you  save  a  dollar,  and 
suppose  by  spending  that  time  in  writing  you  might  save  a  soul, 
put  the  dollar  in  one  scale  and  the  soul  in  the  other  ;  which  will 
weigh  the  more  ?  Which  is  of  the  greater  importance,  for  you  to 
aid  your  husband  in  saving  money,  or  to  help  immortal  souls  to 
heaven  ?    Which  will  please  God  and  add  to  your  treasure  above?" 

These  were  startling  questions,  and  they  set  her  heart  in  great 


236  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

commotion.  She  said,  "What  have  I  been  doing?  Burying  the 
talent  which  God  gave  me  to  use  for  Him.  0  I  did  not  mean  to  do 
that,  but  have  been  thinking  that,  as  a  faithful  wife  and  mother,  I 
must  be  diligent  in  doing  what  I  could  for  my  family.  I  know  I 
have  been  loving  and  serving  God,  but  I  have  not  rendered  Him  all 
the  service  He  required." 

Soon  after  the  visit  of  Mrs.  Palmer  another  valued  friend,  Eev. 
Dr.  Bangs,  made  a  similar  remark  in  regard  to  his  conviction 
of  the  work  which  God  had  given  her  to  do,  which  struck  her 
mind  as  a  remarkable  coincidence,  and  tended  to  strengthen  her 
in  the  purpose  she  had  formed. 

]STot  long  after,  during  a  visit  to  the  country,  Mrs. 
James  wrote  to  her  husband  : 

I  know  I  have  lost  much  by  being  engrossed  with  domestic  cares 
and  not  doing  what  God  required  of  me  for  His  blessed  cause.  He 
has  shown  me  that  He  desired  me  to  be  as  Mary,  sitting  at  his  feet 
and  listening  to  His  teachings,  ever  ready  to  do  His  bidding,  not 
as  Martha,  burdened  with  many  cares.  I  see  clearly  that  I  must 
more  frequently  use  my  pen  for  Jesus.  I  have  such  a  clear  convic- 
tion of  duty  that  I  dare  not  employ  my  time  in  things  which  others 
can  do,  and  leave  undone  that  which  God  bids  me  do.  In  making 
a  renewed  dedication  of  myself  to  God  I  have  received  new  tokens 
of  His  favor  which  have  filled  my  soul  with  joy  unspeakable.  When 
Jesus  is  with  us  we  forget  the  roughness  of  the  way,  and  the  soul 
bounds  forward  with  delightful  speed  along  the  path  made  pleas- 
ant by  His  cheering  smiles. 

From  this  time  the  pen  was  more  frequently  employed 
in  the  cherished  work,  yet  there  continued  to  be  inter- 
ruptions, and,  not  for  a  number  of  years,  did  it  become 
possible  for  her  to  do  as  much  writing  as  her  spirit 
prompted. 

The  first  communication  of  the  long  series  to  the  be- 
loved Guide  appeared  in  its  early  days,  perhaps  in  1842. 
The  publication  was  then  issued  in  Boston,  by  Dexter  S. 
King,  with  the  title,  Guide  to  Christian  Perfection.    This 


THE  TIRELESS  PEN.  237 

article  reappeared  in  the  Guide  to  Holiness,  in  the  series 
of  contributions  entitled  Fifty  Yeari  Walk  with  Jesus^ 
but  is  so  in  keeping  with  her  style,  and  withal  so  beauti- 
fully describes  one  of  the  many  rich  effusions  of  the 
Holy  Spirit  vouchsafed  to  this  earnest  disciple,  that  it  is 
given  a  permanent  place  here.  It  is  addressed  to  the 
Rev.  T.  Merritt,  then  editor : 

Rev.  and  Dear  Father  in  Christ  :  I  had  not  forgotten  your 
request,  but  for  several  reasons,  which  I  think  you  would  deem 
justifiable,  was  delaying  the  fulfillment  of  it,  when,  by  your  re- 
peated solicitation  in  Sister  Palmer's  letter,  which  I  received  last 
evening,  I  was  prompted  to  the  immediate  performance  of  the 
duty  which  now  devolves  upon  me.  And  probably  I  could  not 
select,  as  the  subject  of  my  letter,  a  more  profitable  or  pleasing 
topic  than  the  exercises  of  my  mind  for  the  last  twenty-four  hours. 

Last  evening  I  attended  the  class  of  which  I  am  a  member.  I 
went  there  with  my  soul  unspeakably  happy  in  God ;  and  in  relat- 
ing my  experience,  I  remarked  that  I  had  of  late  been  striving  with 
unusual  earnestness  to  keep  my  eyes  steadfastly  fixed  upon  Jesus, 
and  while  He  had  been  in  my  view,  I  had  lost  sight  of  earthly  ob- 
jects and  my  soul  had  been  wholly  absorbed  by  His  love.  My  ex- 
cellent leader  remarked,  in  reply:  "It  is  by  looking  to  Jesus," or 
"looking  at  Jesus,  that  we  are  changed  into  His  image."  It  struck 
my  mind  with  peculiar  force,  and  produced  such  a  thrill  of  holy 
joy  as  I  cannot  describe.  I  was  then  looking  at  Jesus.  He  seemed 
standing  before  me,  arrayed  in  glory  and  beauty  that  surpassed  all 
I  had  ever  before  conceived  of,  and  looking  upon  me  with  tender 
regard,  benignant  love,  and  divine  complaisance,  seemed  to  claim 
me  for  His  own.  My  soul  was  so  captivated  with  the  charms  of 
the  adorable  Redeemer  that  when  my  leader  spoke  of  being  changed 
into  His  image  I  felt  such  a  transport  of  bliss  as  nearly  overpowered 
me.  O  thought  I,  to  be  assimilated  to  His  glorious  likeness,  to  be 
a  partaker  of  His  nature,  to  be  "one  with  Him!  "  What  ineffable 
felicity,  what  overwhelming  glory,  what  amazing  exaltation  for  an 
abject  worm  of  earth,  to  be  changed  into  the  image  of  Jesus! 

And  this  is  my  privilege.  I,  who  am  "less  than  the  least  of  all 
saints ;  "  I,  who  am  the  most  unworthy  of  so  distinguished  a  favor, 


238  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

thus  honored,  thus  blessed  of  God !  Heretofore  my  heart  has  borne 
but  the  mere  outlines  of  that  glorious  image ;  but  now  I  am  to  re- 
ceive the  full  impress.  Yes,  now,  while  I  am  looking  at  Jesus! 
Now,  He  is  molding  me  and  fashioning  me  after  His  own  lovely 
likeness!  My  soul  is  in  His  hands,  passive  as  clay  in  the  hands  of 
the  potter.  Jesus  is  making  me  all  glorious  within.  I  shall  be 
like  Him !  I  have  fixed  my  eyes  upon  Him,  never  more  to  remove 
them  thence,  and  it  is  by  looking  at  Him  that  I  am  to  be  con- 
formed to  His  likeness.  O  such  a  fullness  of  love  and  peace  and 
joy  in  the  Holy  Ghost.  I  seemed,  indeed,  "filled  unutterably  full 
of  glory  and  of  God.'' 

As  I  came  home  Jesus  seemed  walking  with  me  and  communing 
with  my  heart  by  the  way.  When  I  retired  to  my  chamber  His 
presence  accompanied  me  and  His  glory  appeared  to  fill  the  room. 
For  several  hours  my  heart  was  in  such  raptures  of  joy  that  I  could 
not  become  sufficiently  composed  to  sleep.  At  length  exhausted 
nature  sank  into  repose,  but  still  my  mind  was  occupied  with  the 
same  glorious  subject.  Often  I  would  awake  in  ecstasies,  exclaim- 
ing, "  Jesus!  Thou  art  my  Savior,  '  my  Redeemer  from  all  sin,'  my 
happiness,  my  heaven !  "  I  have  ever  since  enjoyed  the  same  de- 
liglitful  consciousness  of  His  presence,  Who  is  the  life  of  all  my 
joys,  and  am  still  enabled  to  keep  my  eyes  unwaveringly  fixed  upon 
Him.  I  see  clearly  that  this  is  the  way,  and  the  only  way,  to  abide 
in  His  love,  and  to  have  the  continual  victory  over  the  world,  the 
flesh,  and  Satan,  to  keep  looking  at  Jesus. 

While  our  eyes  are  fixed  upon  Him  we  shall  not  see  the  smiles 
or  frowns  of  our  fellow-beings;  we  shall  not  see  the  attractions  of 
earth's  gilded  pleasures,  its  riches  and  honors,  nor  the  dark  clouds 
of  adversity  impending  over  our  heads;  we  shall  see  nothing  to 
dismay  or  to  elate  us,  and,  therefore,  we  shall  escape  the  many 
snares  which  Satan  has  set  for  our  feet  and  into  some  of  which  we 
are  sure  to  fall,  if  for  one  moment  we  cease  "looking  to  Jesus." 
And  it  seems  to  me  I  can  never  again  desire  to  look  at  aught  be- 
side. Oh,  how  paltry,  how  empty,  how  vain,  do  all  other  objects 
appear  to  us  when  our  souls  are  captivated  with  the  charms  of  our 
Beloved !  How  insipid,  how  tasteless  do  the  pleasures  of  the  world 
seem  after  having  drunk  at  the  Fountain  of  pure  celestial  love !  The 
thought  of  even  for  one  moment  turning  to  earth  again,  leaving  the 
Fountain-head  of  bliss,  and  stooping  to  creature  happiness,  seems 


THE  TIRELESS  PEN.  239 

to  me  more  dreadful  than  to  endure  the  most  agonizing  sufferings, 
and  death  itself  would  be  infinitely  preferable.  If  I  was  as  sure  of 
heaven  as  that  I  now  exist,  it  would  not  satisfy  me,  nor  could  I  be 
happy  in  any  degree  if  I  thought  that  I  should  ever,  for  a  short 
time,  depart  from  God  and  bring  reproach  upon  His  blessed  name, 
who  has  "  loved  me  and  given  Himself  for  me." 

Pray  for  me,  dear  Father  Merritt,  that  I  may  be  "steadfast, 
immovable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of  the  Lord." 

With  Christian  regard,  believe  me  yours, 

Mary. 

During  all  her  earlier  years  her  contributions  to  the 
press  were  signed  "  Mary."  Not  until  she  came  to  be 
somewhat  widely  known  to  readers  of  the  Guide,  and 
some  other  periodicals,  did  she  venture  to  permit  her  full 
name  to  appear.  Even  before  the  above  letter  was  writ- 
ten this  ardent  lover  of  Bible  holiness  had  become  deeply 
interested  in  the  magazine,  inducing  numbers  of  her 
friends  to  subscribe  for  it.  Many  can  understand  the 
feeling  of  a  friend  who  recently  said,  "  I  shall  always 
take  the  Guide  for  Sister  James's  sake,  if  for  no  other 
reason."  Her  feelings  in  regard  to  the  publication 
never  changed,  only  that  when  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer 
took  charge  of  it,  her  regard  for  them  prompted  even 
increasing  efforts  to  call  attention  to  its  excellence  and 
promote  its  work.  From  that  time  her  contributions 
were  more  frequent.  During  the  last  ten  or  twelve  years 
of  her  life  rarely  did  a  number  go  forth  without  something 
from  her  pen.  Her  monthly  "  Letters  to  the  Children  " 
were  written,  many  of  them  with  brain  weary  or  fevered, 
and  when  it  taxed  her  little  strength  to  write,  but  she 
must  be  very  ill  indeed  if  she  disappointed  the  little  ones 
who  were  expecting  her  loving  words.  The  letter  which 
appeared  in  the  Guide  for  November,  1883,  was  perhaps 
the  last  work  of  her  pen  intended  for  publication,  except 


240  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

the  verses  for  the  Wall  Boll,  which  was  to  be  published 
from  the  office  of  the  Guide. 

Besides  her  many  contributions  to  this  magazine,  Mrs. 
James  wrote  occasionally  for  the  New  York  Christian 
Advocate,  The  Contributor,  and  The  Christian  Witness, 
Boston.  Still  more  frequently,  especially  in  later  years, 
her  articles  appeared  in  The  Christian  Woman  and 
The  Christian  Standard,  Philadelphia,  and  very  often  in 
the  Ocean  Grove  Record.  In  later  life  her  facility  in 
composition  rather  increased  than  diminished.  Her  pen 
seemed  almost  inspired,  and  her  contributions  were 
eagerly  read  by  many  hundreds. 

It  was  in  writing  poetry  that  this  pen  gave  strongest 
evidence  of  inspiration.  While  he  was  yet  a  youth  her 
son  copied  nearly  fifty  of  her  poems.  Most  of  these  had 
been  called  forth  by  local  occurrences,  and  not  a  large 
proportion  would  be  of  general  interest.  Some,  how- 
ever, are  creditable  to  her  skill  in  versification,  and  all 
glow  with  religious  fervor.  A  great  variety  of  incidents 
occurring  in  the  circle  of  her  personal  knowledge  are  in 
this  way  commemorated ;  especially  is  this  true  of  the 
death  of  friends.  Some  of  her  best  pieces  were  inspired 
by  sermons  or  addresses  which  deeply  moved  her  suscep- 
tible nature.  The  muse  often  came  to  her  in  wakeful 
hours  of  the  night.  Then,  when  she  rose  in  the  morn- 
ing, she  would  first  "  scribble "  and  afterward  carefully 
copy  the  results  of  her  cogitations.  An  occurrence  of 
special  interest,  a  thought  suggested  in  a  discourse,  or  in 
something  she  read,  or  caught  in  conversation,  would  set 
the  active  brain  at  work,  and  the  result  would  be  an 
article  in  prose  or  verse  which  would  soon  find  its  way 
to  one  of  her  editor  friends.  Rarely  were  her  offerings 
of  this  sort  declined. 


THE  TIRELESS  PEN.  241 

To  her  own  mind  the  secret  of  the  acceptability  and 
usefulness  of  the  work  of  her  pen  was  that  it  was  her 
habit  to  seek  the  divine  guidance  in  every  attempt  to 
write.  While  writing,  too,  she  was  constantly  in  a 
prayerful  attitude,  relying  wholly  upon  the  divine  wis- 
dom. So  the  promise  of  that  wisdom  was  fulfilled,  and 
her  glad  heart  gave  to  her  Heavenly  Friend  all  the 
honor. 

More  than  fifty  of  the  hymns  of  Mrs.  James  have  been 
set  to  music  and  published  in  various  collections  of  sacred 
songs  for  Sunday-schools  and  social  services.  Many  of 
these  are  popular,  and  not  a  few  have  been  a  source  of 
inspiration,  joy,  and  help  to  thousands. 

It  has  been  suggested  that  a  volume  of  the  poems  of 
this  writer  be  published.  As  it  is  doubtful  whether  any- 
thing of  this  kind  will  be  attempted,  a  few  are  here  in- 
serted that  they  may  not  be  entirely  lost. 

The  first  article  from  The  Christian  Woman  illustrates 
the  way  in  which  a  thought  would  start  this  ready  pen. 
The  poems  are  selected  almost  at  random,  and  will  give 
readers  of  this  volume,  not  familiar  with  Mrs.  James's 
poetry,  an  idea  of  the  style  of  this  writer  of  "  Hymns  of 
the  Heart."  The  list  might  be  greatly  lengthened  if  the 
limits  of  the  volume  would  allow. 

Nobody  Knoics  but  Jesus. 

The  touching  pathos  of  the  "Jubilee  songs"  has  moved  and 
melted  thousands  of  listeners,  and  caused  tears  to  flow  from  many 
"eyes  unused  to  weep."  The  sweet  strains  of  sacred  melody  and 
words  of  tender  simplicity  charmed  even  the  most  refined  and  fas- 
tidious; and  those  who  could  listen  to  the  most  solemn  and  impres- 
sive appeals  from  the  pulpit  unmoved  were  deeply  affected  by  the 
power  of  Gospel  truth  conveyed  by  the  simple  songs  of  the  freed 
slaves. 

11 


242  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

That  sweet  chorus : 

"  Nobody  knows  the  troubles  I  see,  Lord, 
Nobody  knows  but  Jesus! " 

struck  a  chord  in  many  a  Christian  heart  that  has  continued  to  vi- 
brate ever  since.  The  sorrows  and  wrongs  of  slavery  evoked  those 
sad  yet  hallowed  words  of  song  from  crushed  hearts,  as  the  rude 
hand  that  bruises  the  fragrant  plant  brings  out  its  sweet  perfume. 

No  wonder  an  old  saint,  just  released  from  slavery,  exultingly 
shouted,  "Glory!  glory!  I'se  been  'spectin'  de  Lord  would  make 
us  free  dis  good  while — afore  Massa  Lincoln  said  so — 'cause  we's 
been  a-prayin'  and  cryin'  to  Him  so  long,  and  when  dis  yere  war 
broke  out,  den  I  b'lieved  de  good  Lord  was  a-goin'  to  set  us  free. 
Now  'tis  come.  Bless  de  Lord!  'tis  come  at  last!  'Tis  de  good 
Lord  done  it.  Massa  Lincoln  only  said  so,  but  Tesus  made  him  do 
it.  Glory  to  Jesus !  "  Yes,  it  was  the  Lord  God  Omnipotent  who 
broke  their  fetters.  Their  cries  had  gone  up  to  His  throne  and  He 
said:  "I  have  seen,  I  have  seen  the  affliction  of  my  people,  and  I 
have  come  down  to  deliver  them." 

When  toiling  in  the  fields,  with  their  flesh  bleeding  under  the 
lash  of  the  cruel  overseer,  and  their  hearts  bleeding  from  the  deeper 
wounds  made  by  the  severing  of  tender  ties,  being  torn  away  from 
loved  ones  and  suffering  a  living  death,  they  went  to  Jesus  with 
their  troubles,  for 

"  Kindly  He  opened  to  them  His  ear, 
And  bade  them  pour  their  sorrows  there, 
And  tell  Him  all  their  pains." 

And  there  are  many  others  sinking  under  the  pressure  of  accu- 
mulated woes,  oppressed  with  bondage  as  dreadful  as  was  that  of 
Southern  slavery.     Many  a  crushed  spirit  can  say : 

"  Nobody  knows  the  troubles  1  see, 
Nobody  knows  but  Jesus." 

The  griefs,  long  pent-up  in  the  aching  heart,  would  seem  an  insup- 
portable load  were  there  no  sympathizing  ear  to  listen  to  their  tale 
of  anguish,  no  helping  hand  to  share  their  burdens.  But  they  go 
and  tell  Jesus,  and  in  loving  tenderness  He  listens  to  their  com- 
plaints and  hastens  to  pour  into  their  wounds  the  soothing  balm  of 
His  love;  lifting  up  their  fainting  hearts,  bidding  them  repose  in 


THE  TIRELESS  PEN.  243 

His  arms,  rest  upon  His  bosom  and  trust  in  His  love.  "  The  eyes 
of  the  Lord  are  over  the  righteous,  and  His  ears  are  open  to  their 
cry."  Cheering  assurance!  He  inclineth  His  ear  and  heareth  us, 
as  a  loving  parent  bends  over  to  his  child  to  hear  his  request !  Yes, 

and 

"More  quickly  our  whispers  go  up  to  His  ear 
Than  the  message  on  telegraph  wire ; 
More  quickly  His  messages  come  to  us  here 
Than  those  by  electrical  fire." 

Dear,  suffering  child  of  God,  never  mind,  if  you  have  no  human 
arm  to  lean  upon,  no  human  ear  to  listen  to  your  sorrows,  no  loving 
heart  to  sympathize  with  you.  Never  mind  if  you  are  misunder- 
stood, misrepresented,  censured,  and  even  calumniated — Jesus  hears 
all  your  complaints ;  Jesus  extends  His  strong  arms  for  your  sup- 
port. His  heart  of  infinite  love  sympathizes  with  you.  He  under- 
stands you  and  loves  you  with  an  everlasting  love.  Oh,  is  it  not 
enough  that  Jesus  knows  all  about  your  sorrows  and  knows  how 
to  succor  and  defend  and  deliver  you  ?  Is  it  not  enough  that  He 
who  is  mighty  to  save  is  your  Friend,  your  Savior,  and  has  promised 
never  to  leave  nor  forsake  you  ?     Then  may  you  with  a  glad  heart 

sing : 

"  Nobody  knows  the  troubles  1  see,  Lord, 
Nobody  knows  but  Jesus." 

Among  the  earliest  of  the  poetic  effusions  of  Mrs. 
James  is  the  following,  which  was  first  published  in  the 
Guide  to  Holiness  for  August,  1885.  It  was  found  in  a 
letter  to  Mrs.  James's  mother,  dated  August  18,  1838, 
and  shows  that,  even  in  early  womanhood,  hers  was  an 
exultant  type  of  piety  : 

The  Joy  of  Communion  icith  God. 

O  'tis  a  blissful  solitude, 

To  be  alone  with  God; 
To  hold  sweet  intercourse  with  heaven, 

And  feast  on  angels'  food. 

To  be  alone  with  God  !  O  what 
Supreme,  what  hallowed  bliss  ! 


244  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

Earth's  glories  all  condensed,  would  seem 
The  gloom  of  night  to  this. 

And  may  such  abject  mortals  here 

Enjoy  so  high  a  bliss  ? 
E'en  mid  the  woes  and  sins  of  earth, 

Be  blessed  with  joys  like  this  ? 

Yes  !  here  the  Holy  One  will  dwell  ; 

Here,  with  the  contrite  heart  ; 
And  treasures  of  immortal  worth 

He  will  to  worms  impart ! 

Then  let  me  be  a  worm,  if  God 

Will  thus  exalt  a  worm 
To  be  an  heir  of  bliss,  and  bear 

The  image  of  His  Son. 

I'll  mourn  no  more  my  feebleness, 

Since  God  Himself  extends 
His  mighty  arm  for  my  support, 

Till  life's  sad  journey  ends. 

I'll  weep  no  more  that  earthly  woes 

Assail  as  poignant  darts, 
For  the  pure  Source  of  heavenly  love 

A  healing  balm  imparts. 

'Tis  Thou,  my  God,  'tis  Thou  alone 

I  need  to  make  me  blest  : 
Adieu,  then,  earth,  for  I  have  found 

That  this  is  not  my  rest. 

It  would  be  hard  to  find  a  better  antidote  to  the  spirit 
of  repining  than  is  suggested  in  this  little  gem,  set  in  this 
form  in  its  author's  middle  life  : 

*  Count  the  Mercies. 

Count  the  mercies  !  count  the  mercies  ! 

Number  all  the  gifts  of  love ; 
Keep  a  daily,  faithful  record 

Of  the  comforts  from  above. 

*  Issued  in  leaflet  form,  the  last  fourteen  lines  omitted,  at  Willard  Tract  Reposi- 
tory, Beacon  Hill,  Boston,  Mass. 


THE  TIRELESS  PEN.  245 

Look  at  all  the  lovely  green  spots 

In  life's  weary  desert  way  ; 
Think  how  many  cooling  fountains 

Cheer  our  fainting  hearts  each  day. 
Count  the  mercies  !  count  the  mercies  ! 

See  them  strewn  along  our  way  ! 

See  !  0  see  the  countless  beauties 

In  the  charming  scenes  of  earth  I 
Think  of  all  the  untold  blessings, 

Clustering  round  our  home  and  hearth ; 
Think  of  friends  and  precious  kindred, 

To  our  hearts  so  dear,  so  sweet  ; 
Think  of  heaven's  unnumbered  blessings, 

Can  you  all  the  list  repeat  ? 
Count  the  mercies  !  count  the  mercies 

Making  bright  paths  for  your  feet  1 

Count  the  mercies,  though  the  trials 

Seem  to  number  more  each  day  : 
Count  the  trials,  too,  as  mercies  ; 

Add  them  to  the  grand  array. 
Trials  are  God's  richest  blessings, 

Sent  to  prompt  our  upward  flight, 
As  the  eagle's  nest,  all  broken, 

Makes  them  fly  to  loftier  heights. 
Count  them  mercies  ;  count  them  mercies 

That  bring  heaven  within  our  sight. 

Count  them  mercies  which  shall  sever 

Cords  that  bind  our  spirits  down, 
Causing  them  below  to  grovel, 

And  forget  our  heavenly  crown. 
Let  all  earthly  ties  be  riven, 

Nests  be  broken,  hopes  decay, 
If  to  God  our  souls  be  driven, 

If  from  earth  we  soar  away. 
Wondrous  mercies  !  hallowed  mercies  ! 

Urging  us  the  heavenward  way. 

Thus  we  find  the  purer  comforts, 
Richer  far  than  those  of  earth, 


246  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

Joys  unfailing,  hopes  enduring, 

Treasures  of  surpassing  worth  : 
Beams  of  bright,  celestial  radiance, 

From  the  Central  Source  of  Light, 
Spreading  o'er  each  scene  of  sadness 

Halos  gladdening  to  our  sight. 
Count  the  mercies  !  count  the  mercies  ! 

Filling  us  with  joys  so  bright. 

Let  us  number  all  our  jewels, 

Let  us  estimate  their  worth  ; 
Let  us  thank  the  gracious  Giver, 

Strewing  blessings  o'er  the  earth  ; 
Let  our  hearts  o'erflow  with  gladness, 

Let  us  tell  the  wonders  o'er, 
Till  our  multiplying  treasures 

Seem  a  countless,  boundless  store. 
Then  let  praises,  grateful  praises, 

Be  our  language  evermore. 

Miss  Elizabeth  Nicholson,  the  Quaker  co-worker  of 
Mrs.  James,  since  deceased,  sent  a  copy  of  the  following 
to  the  writer  of  this  volume,  with  a  request  that  it  be  in- 
serted in  the  book. 

He  Stirred  my  Nest. 

Deuteronomy,  xxxii :  11, 12. 

Reposing  calmly  in  my  downy  nest, 
I  had  forgotten  earth  is  not  my  rest, 
Until,  disturbed,  I  saw  a  gracious  Hand 
Point  upward  to  a  brighter,  happier  land. 

He  stirred  my  nest,  then,  fluttering  o'er  my  head, 
I  saw  His  radiant  wings  benignly  spread 
To  bear  me  up  from  earthly  scenes  on  high, 
To  purer  regions  and  a  cloudless  sky. 

'Twas  hard  to  find  no  foothold  'neath  the  sun, 
But  soon  I  found  my  life  of  bliss  begun  ! 
A  world  of  unseen  joys,  untold  delight, 
Revealed  its  glories  to  my  raptured  sight. 


TEE  TIRELESS  PEN.  247 

My  broken  nest  forsaken,  on  those  wings 
Upborne,  my  spirit  mounts,  and  sweetly  sings  : 
Victorious  over  all  her  foes,  she  soars, 
And  glorious  unknown  realms  of  light  explores. 

I  had  slept  on,  nor  ever  felt  or  known 
The  perfect  bliss  of  loving  God  alone, 
Of  being  borne  upon  His  wings  on  high. 
Had  He  not  taught  me  thus  to  rise  and  fly. 

Had  not  my  nest  been  stirred,  and  sorrows  deep, 
And  painful  grief  disturbed  my  carnal  sleep, 
I  had  not  known  this  pure,  heartfelt  delight, 
'Twas  love,  unbounded  love,  that  forced  my  flight. 

0  now,  a  wide  expanse,  boundless,  sublime, 
Stretches  before  my  sight,  and  earth  and  time 
Seem  but  a  point,  a  bubble  on  the  stream, 
While  on  my  soul  celestial  glories  beam. 

O'erwhelmed  with  wond'ring  joy,  and  filled  with  praise, 

1  now  exult  in  grateful,  ceaseless  lays 

To  Him  whose  love  unbounded  stooped  to  me, 
And  stirred  my  nest,  and  set  my  spirit  free. 

This  appeared  in  The  Christian  Wo?nan,  with  the  music, 
a  simple  but  sweet  tune.  It  brings  out  its  writer's  ap- 
preciation of  the  fact  that  the  triple  repetition  of  the 
negative  is  in  the  Greek  much  more  emphatic  than  in  the 
English. 

Never. 
"  I  will  never  leave  thee  nor  forsake  thee.11 — Bible. 

"  Our  Father"  said  that  precious  word, 
And  I  will  trust  it  ever  : 
I'll  never  leave  thee,  nor  forsake, 
"  JSTo,  never,  never,  never  !  " 


24 S  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

'Twas  thrice  repeated  by  our  Lord, 
That  word  so  blessed  ever, 

O  I'm  so  sure  it  cannot  fail, 
"No,  never,  never,  never  !  " 

Though  all  my  cherished  joys  depart, 
And  from  loved  ones  I  sever, 

My  loving  Father  will  not  leave, 
"  No,  never,  never,  never  ! " 

So  strong  His  love,  so  rich  His  grace, 
To  help  each  weak  endeavor, 

And  when  I  fail  He  never  chides 
Nor  frowns  on  me,  "  no,  never." 

My  failures  and  infirmities 
Oft  make  me  weep,  but  ever 

He  sweetly  whispers,  "  I  forgive  ; 
Fear  not,  I'll  leave  thee  never. " 

I've  placed  my  feeble  hand  in  His, 
From  Him  no  power  can  sever, 

While  His  strong  hand  is  holding  me, 
"  No,  never— never— NEVER  ! " 


All  for  Jesus.* 

All  for  Jesus  !  all  for  Jesus  ! 

All  my  being's  ransom'd  pow'rs ; 
All  my  thoughts,  and  words,  and  doings, 

All  my  days  and  all  my  hours. 
All  for  Jesus  !  all  for  Jesus  ! 

All  my  days  and  all  my  hours. 

Let  my  hands  perform  His  bidding, 

Let  my  feet  run  in  His  ways, 
Let  my  eyes  see  Jesus  only, 

Let  my  lips  speak  forth  His  praise ! 
All  for  Jesus  !  all  for  Jesus  ! 

Let  my  lips  speak  forth  His  praise. 

*  Composed  in  1871 .    See  chapter  entitled  "  Second  Residence  in  Trenton. 


THE  TIRELESS  PEN.  249 

Since  ray  eyes  were  fixed  on  Jesus, 

I've  lost  sight  of  all  beside  ; 
So  enchained  my  spirit's  vision, 

Looking  at  the  Crucified. 
All  for  Jesus  !  all  for  Jesus  ! 

Looking  at  the  Crucified. 

Oh,  what  wonder  !  how  amazing  ! 

Jesus,  glorious  King  of  kings, 
Deigns  to  call  me  His  beloved, 

Lets  me  rest  beneath  His  wings. 
All  for  Jesus  !  all  for  Jesus  ! 

Resting  now  beneath  His  wings  ! 

The  Scripture  references  attached  to  each  line  of  the 
following  piece  were  arranged  by  Mrs.  Col.  Lowe,  of 
Xenia,  Ohio.  This  is  one  of  the  sacred  songs  to  which  a 
beautiful  tune  was  adapted  by  W.  J.  Kirkpatrick. 

It  is  in  a  number  of  singing  books,  and  has  been  very 
popular.  It  has  been  used  most  effectively  on  the 
unique  plan  of  the  singing  of  a  line  at  a  time,  each  fol- 
lowed by  the  words  from  God's  Book. 

Companionsliii)  with  Jesus. 

0  blessed  fellowship  divine  !  1  John,  i  :  3  ;  Acts,  x  :  41. 
0  joy  supremely  sweet  !                         Acts,  ii  :  28  ;  John,  xiv  :  24. 

Companionship  with  Jesus  here  Luke,  xxiv  :  32. 

Makes  life  with  bliss  replete  :  Matt  xvii:  4;  Luke,  ix :  29-32. 

In  union  with  the  Purest  One,  Eph.  v  :  30  ;  John,  xvii  :  23. 

1  find  my  heaven  on  earth  begun.  1  Peter,  i  :  8. 

0  wondrous  bliss,  O  joy  sublime,      John,  xv  :  11. 
I've  Jesus  with  me  all  the  time  !        Matt,  xxviii :  20. 

[vi:9. 
I'm  walking  close  to  Jesus'  side,  2  Cor.  vi  :  16  ;  Gen.  v  :  24 ; 

So  close  that  I  can  hear  Isa.  xxx  :  21. 

The  softest  whispers  of  His  love,  Num.  xi :  17. 

In  fellowship  so  dear,  1  John,  i :  7. 

11* 


250 


THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JA3IES. 


And  feel  His  great  Almighty  hand 
Protects  me  in  this  hostile  land. 

0  wondrous  bliss,  0  joy  sublime, 
I've  Jesus  with  me  all  the  time  ! 


Isa.  xli :  10-13. 
John,  xv :  19. 


I'm  leaning  on  His  loving  breast, 

Along  life's  weary  way, 
My  path,  illumined  by  His  smile, 

Grows  brighter  day  by  day  ; 
No  woes,  no  foes,  my  heart  can  fear, 
With  my  Almighty  Friend  so  near. 
0  wondrous  bliss,  0  joy  sublime, 
I've  Jesus  with  me  all  the  time  ! 


John,  xiii :  23. 
Jer.  xxxv  :  21. 

Prov.  iv  :  18. 

Isa.  li :  12  ;  Ps.  xxxvii  :  2. 

Ps.  cxix  :  151. 


I  know  His  sheltering  wings  of  love 

Are  always  o'er  me  spread  ; 
And  tho'  the  storms  may  fiercely  rage 

All  calm  and  free  from  dread, 
My  peaceful  spirit  ever  sings, 
"  I'll  trust  the  covert  of  His  wings." 
O  wondrous  bliss,  0  joy  sublime, 
I've  Jesus  with  me  all  the  time  ! 


Ps.  xci :  1  ;  lvii  :  1  ;  lxiii :  7. 
Ps.  xci  :  4. 

Ps.  lxxxix  :  9  ;  Matt,  xiv :  24. 
John,  vi :  20. 

Phil,  iv  :  7. 
Ps.  lxi :  4. 


Isa.  xxxv :    10 


[24-26. 
John,    xvii  : 


On  one  occasion,  while  Mrs.  James  was  the  guest  of 
her  son,  his  pulpit  was  filled  by  a  ministerial  friend, 
whose  sermon,  on  Jer.  xxxi :  3,  deeply  moved  this  poetic 
soul.  Not  long  after  the  visiting  clergyman  received  a 
copy  of  the  following  verses.  They  may  be  found,  with 
a  beautiful  tune  composed  by  Mrs.  J.  F.  Knapp,  No.  100, 
in  the  Epworth  Hymnal. 


Everlasting  Love. 

Wondrous  words  !  how  rich  in  blessing  ! 

Deeper  than  the  unfathomed  sea  ; 
Broader  than  its  world  of  waters, 

Boundless,  infinite,  and  free  ; 
Higher  than  the  heavens  above, 
Is  that  Everlasting  Love. 


THE  TIRELESS  PEN.  251 

Down  to  lowest  depths  it  reaches — 

The  all-loving  Father's  arm, 
Toward  His  rebel  children  yearning, 

Drawing  them  with  magic  charm, 
Till  the  yielding  spirits  move, 
Touched  by  Everlasting  Love. 

Weary  spirits,  sad  with  toiling, 

'Mid  the  sorrows  of  the  way, 
Feel  their  heavy  burdens  lightened, 

As  they  journey  day  by  day  ; 
How  with  quickened  steps  they  move, 
Cheered  by  Everlasting  Love. 

I  have  set  thee  as  a  signet, 

Graven  on  My  hands  thy  name  ; 
Lo,  I  still  am  with  thee  always, 

Evermore  thy  Friend — the  same, 
Never  changing.  Thou  wilt  prove 
Mine  an  Everlasting  Love. 

In  My  house  of  many  mansions, 

I've  prepared  a  place  for  thee, 
Where  are  no  dark  clouds  or  tempests, 

Where  I  am,  there  thou  shalt  be — 
All  the  untold  bliss  to  prove, 
Of  My  Everlasting  Love. 

Light  at  Evening-time. 
"  At  evening  time  it  shall  be  light."— Zech.  xiv  :  7. 

'Tis  evening-time  ;  the  shadows,  gathering  fast 

Around  my  footsteps  as  they  onward  move, 
Admonish  me  life's  day  is  nearly  past  ; 

And  yet  I  see  light  beaming  from  above. 

They  say  I'm  growing  old.  'Tis  true,  I  know, 
For  I  have  numbered  more  than  threescore  years  ; 

And  yet  my  heavenward  pathway  brightens  so, 
And  not  a  shade  of  darkening  gloom  appears. 

'Tis  evening-time,  how  true  !  and  soon  I'll  rest  ; 
And  yet  it  seems  but  yesterday  that  I  begun 


252  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

My  life's  bright  morning.     Now  far  in  the  West 
So  rapidly  declines  my  cloudless  sun. 

Yes,  cloudless,  thanks  to  God  !  all  bright  and  clear, 
And  even  in  death's  valley  light  doth  shine  : 

With  Jesus  by  my  side  I  cannot  fear, 
Encircled  by  the  loving  arms  divine. 

I've  looked  within  the  vale,  and  even  when 
Upon  the  verge  of  its  dark  shadow's  gloom 

Stood  face  to  face  with  death,  victorious  then, 
Exulting  o'er  the  monster  and  the  tomb. 

0  hallelujah  to  the  Lamb  !    His  name, 

Death's  conqueror  !  my  ransomed  powers  adore  ! 

In  ceaseless  praise  His  wondrous  love  proclaim 
Thro'  life,  in  death,  in  heaven  forever  more  ! 

During  the  summer  of  1882,  while  Mrs.  James  was 
visiting  the  family  of  her  son  in  Danielsonville,  Conn., 
a  neighbor  kindly  invited  them  and  others  to  see  a 
"night-blooming  cereus,"  then  bearing  seven  of  the 
blossoms  for  which  that  wonderful  plant  is  so  famous. 
To  her  the  sight  was  almost  overpowering.  Her  feelings 
found  expression  in  some  verses  which  appeared  first  in 
The  Sunday-School  Times  and  were  copied  in  other 
periodicals.  This  has  been  regarded  as  one  of  the  best 
of  Mrs.  James's  poems,  and  may  well  occupy  a  place 
here: 

The  Night-Mooming  Cereus. 

Oh,  beautiful  Cereus, 

How  welcome  thy  bloom  ! 
Thy  grand  coronation, 

How  rich  in  perfume  ! 
How  wondrously  charming, 

So  queenly,  so  chaste  ! 
We  mourn  thy  sweet  flowers 

Should  fade  in  such  haste. 


THE  TIRELESS  PEN.  253 

Beholding  with  rapture 

The  exquisite  sight, 
We  wonder  thy  glories 

Are  kept  for  the  night  ; 
In  darkness  to  lavish 

Their  beautiful  bloom, 
And  give  their  rich  odors 

To  midnight's  deep  gloom  I 

Some  sister  plants  close  up 

Their  petals  at  night, 
And  open  them  only 

To  greet  morning  light. 
Thy  charms  are  unfolded 

When  Nature's  asleep  ; 
As  angels  night-vigils 

So  lovingly  keep. 

So  Faith  comes  in  darkness, 

And  blooms  in  the  night ; 
To  soothe  in  affliction, 

In  danger,  in  blight. 
When  sources  of  comfort 

All  fail  and  depart, 
Faith  brings  sweetest  solace 

To  cheer  the  sad  heart. 

And  night-blooming  flowers 

Bring  lessons  of  love, 
As  messages  coming 

From  regions  above. 
We  too  have  a  mission — 

In  darkness  and  grief, 
To  bring  the  afflicted 

And  suffering  relief. 

To  be  to  the  feeble, 

The  sinful,  the  poor, 
Sweet  love-plants,  all  blooming 

With  charms  that  endure. 
To  shed  on  the  lowly, 

In  earth's  deepest  gloom, 


254  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

The  fragrance  of  kindness — 
Most  blessed  perfume  ! 

The  way  of  salvation 

To  show  to  the  lost, 
Which  Jesus  provided 

At  infinite  cost  ; 
To  help  struggling  spirits 

To  gain  heaven's  bliss — 
What  service  so  hallowed, 

So  Christ-like  as  this  ? 

This  was  among  the  latest  of  Mrs.  James's  hymns. 
After  her  death  Mr.  W.  J.  Kirkpatrick  composed  a  tune 
admirably  adapted  to  it,  which  was  published  in  the 
Guide  for  January,  1884,  and  afterward  in  a  collection 
of  hymns  and  music. 

All  Bright  Above. 

I  see  the  bright,  effulgent  rays 
Out  beaming  from  the  Savior's  face ; 
No  dark'ning  clouds  obscure  the  sight 
Of  His  sweet  smile,  my  Life,  my  Light. 

Chorus  :— I  am  mounting  on  wings,  I  am  soaring  on  high, 
Where  the  sun's  ever  shining  in  unclouded  sky, 
In  the  joy  of  His  presence,  the  smiles  of  His  love; 
Oh,  glory  to  Jesus!  'tis  all  bright  above; 
'Tis  all  bright  above,  'tis  all  bright  above, 
Oh,  glory  to  Jesus !  'tis  all  bright  above  1 

O  blessed  vision,  glad  surprise, 
It  breaks  upon  my  wond'ring  eyes, — 
The  Sun  of  Righteousness  divine, 
In  whom  the  Father's  glories  shine. 

Triumphant  Christ!  all-conqu'ring  King! 
Thy  praises  I  delight  to  sing; 
Thy  glory  shines  around  me  here, 
My  path  is  bright,  my  sky  is  clear. 


THE  TIRELESS  PEN.  255 

Multiplied  as  were  the  pages  that  went  forth  from  this 
pen  so  often  spoken  of  as  "  gifted,"  only  four  times  in  her 
long  life  did  Mrs.  James  attempt  the  preparation  of  what 
could  be  properly  called  a  volume.  Mary,  The  Infant 
School  Lesson  Booh,  Mother  Munroe,  and  The  Soul  Win- 
ner were  her  only  books.  The  last  was  issued  but  a  few 
weeks  before  the  death  of  the  author,  to  whom,  even  in 
that  short  time,  there  came  many  encouraging  assurances 
that  her  tribute  to  her  brother  was  appreciated  and  useful. 

Fugitive  as  were  nearly  all  the  productions  of  this 
busy  brain,  they  accomplished  the  purpose  for  which  their 
messages  were  given,  and  their  impress  will  remain  upon 
hearts  till  that  day  in  which  it  shall  be  seen  of  what  sort 
is  the  work  of  human  beings.  May  God  accept  this  ef- 
fort to  keep  a  few  of  them  from  passing  out  of  recollec- 
tion, and  use  them  for  the  good  of  souls ! 

But  one  more  specimen  can  be  given  of  this  kind  of 
work  of  this  hand,  now  at  rest  forever.  Let  it  be  the 
expression  of  a  thought  ever  prominent  in  the  mind  of 
this  one  so  eager  to  lead  men  and  women  and  children  to 
Christ.     It  was  published  in  The  Christian  Woman. 

A  Starless  Crown. 

A  Christian  lady  was  dying.  The  bright  abode  of  the  redeemed 
was  revealed  to  her  spiritual  vision  as  her  future  and  eternal  home. 
She  knew  she  was  a  child  of  God  and  an  heir  to  His  kingdom,  yet 
a  look  of  sadness  came  over  her  face  as,  with  eyes  turned  upward, 
in  mournful  tones  she  exclaimed,  "A  starless  crown!  a  starless 
crown !  a  starless  crown ! '' 

A  friend  asked  her:  "What  do  you  mean  ?"  She  said:  "I  shall 
have  a  crown,  I  see  it  ready  for  me  up  there ;  but  there  is  not  a 
single  star  in  it!  Not  one  soul  have  I  ever  brought  to  Jesus — not 
one !  "  And  thus  she  passed  away  to  the  spirit  world  with  the 
words  upon  her  lips,  "  A  starless  crown !  a  starless  crown !  " 


256  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

The  above  recital,  which  was  given  by  a  Christian  lady  at  Ocean 
Grove,  recalled  to  the  memory  of  the  writer  another  sad  case  of  a 
similar  character. 
^  A  lady  whose  earthly  course  was  just  closing  had  been  exulting 
\ji  the  prospect  of  a  speedy  entrance  into  the  world  of  bliss,  when 
suddenly  the  bright  expression  of  her  face  changed  to  one  of  an- 
guish, and  her  words  of  triumph  to  those  of  lamentation.  "I  have 
never  done  anything  for  Jesus!  "  she  exclaimed.  "Oh,  how  can  I 
be  permitted  to  enter  Heaven  ?  And  if  I  should  enter  through  the 
gates,  how  can  I  look  at  Jesus,  and  think  of  His  wonderful  love 
and  goodness  to  me,  and  feel  that  I  have  never  done  anything  for 
Him.  If  I  had  only  brought  one  soul  to  Him !  If  I  had  done  any 
good  in  the  world!  but,  alas!  I  have  been  as  a  barren  fig-tree!  'a 
slothful  servant,'  an  'idler  in  the  Lord's  vineyard.'" 

No  more  did  the  joyous  expression  return  to  that  face.  Sadly 
she  bade  adieu  to  her  friends,  with  the  mournful  utterance:  "I 
have  never  done  anything  for  Jesus  !  Never — done — anything — for 
Jesus ! " 

What  a  thought  for  a  child  of  God,  whose  day  for  working  is 
ended,  and  the  night  shades  gathering  round !  Golden  privileges, 
precious  opportunities  for  soul-saving,  all  gone  forever,  and  not  one 
soul  to  present  to  Jesus  as  the  result  of  the  life-work ! 

Our  dying  day  is  approaching.  What  will  be  our  reflections  in 
the  retrospect  of  our  life  as  we  shall  view  it  in  the  light  of  eternity, 
just  as  we  step  from  these  mortal  shores  ?  How  are  we  living  ?  "At 
ease  in  Zion  ? "  Seeking  our  own  enjoyment,  working  for  ourselves, 
for  worldly  gain,  for  the  praise  of  men,  for  the  things  which  perish 
with  the  using,  instead  of  working  for  Jesus  and  "seeking  the 
honor  that  cometh  from  God  only, "  the  things  which  are  above,  the 
pleasures  that  fade  not  away  ?  Are  we  doing  nothing  for  the  sal- 
vation of  immortal  souls ;  nothing  to  advance  the  kingdom  of  our 
Redeemer  in  the  world  ?  Then  may  we  expect  to  feel  the  bitter  re- 
morse of  those  whose  dying  words  we  have  recorded. 

Who  would  be  willing  to  think,  when  dying,  "  I  hate 
never  done  anythino  for  Jesus  ! "  and  to  see  in  reserve 

"  A  STARLESS  CROWN  "  ? 


CHAPTER  IX. 


TEMPERANCE   WORK. 


We  have  seen  that  efforts  in  behalf  of  inebriates  awak- 
ened a  peculiar  interest  in  the  mind  of  the  earnest  Chris- 
tian whose  work  has  been  our  study.  From  the  time 
when,  as  a  little  girl,  she  was  instrumental  in  banishing 
the  popular  beverages  from  her  father's  sideboard,  to  the 
end  of  her  life,  she  was  identified  with  the  temperance 
movement  in  every  way  possible. 

In  her  own  home  she  was  a  pattern  of  temperance, 
rarely  using,  even  as  a  medicine,  anything  that  could  in- 
toxicate. She  sought  also  to  fix  in  the  minds  of  her 
children  temperance  principles.  Well  does  the  writer  of 
these  pages  remember  that,  when  he  was  a  tiny  child,  a 
children's  temperance  society  of  some  sort  was  being 
formed  and  he  sought  his  mother's  leave  to  join  it.  For 
some  good  reason,  that  leave  was  not  given  at  that  time, 
but  the  mother  reminded  her  son  that  he  and  she  could 
form  a  temperance  organization.  Then  and  there  he  prom- 
ised her  never  to  use  intoxicating  beverages  or  tobacco — 
"  a  vow  which,  by  God's  grace,  he  has  been  enabled  faith- 
fully to  keep.  Such  a  personal  pledge,  made  with  a  due 
sense  of  obligation,  is  vastly  more  likely  to  influence  con- 
duct than  one  made  by  a  large  number  at  once,  with  little 
realization  of  its  meaning. 

In  the  "  Washingtonian  Movement "  and  all  the  early 
efforts  to  organize  temperance  societies  she  was  deeply 


258  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

interested.  Her  house  was  often  the  stopping- place  of 
lecturers  on  the  subject,  who  visited  the  town  where  she 
resided,  and  she  was  ever  ready  with  tongue  and  pen  to 
advance  temperance. 

When,  in  1852,  the  State  of  New  Jersey  was  at  white 
heat  in  efforts  to  secure  the  "  Maine  Law,"  none  were 
more  actively  interested  than  Mrs.  James  in  the  circula- 
tion of  petitions,  holding  meetings  and  in  every  way  pro- 
moting the  work.  She  wrote  for  a  newspaper  of  the 
time  an  account  of  "  The  Twenty-seventh  of  January," 
1853,  as  "  a  day  never  to  be  forgotten."  She  visited  her 
native  city,  the  State  capital,  to  attend  "  That  great  con- 
vention, composed  of  such  a  multitude  of  the  wise  and 
good,  the  noblest  minds,  the  warmest  hearts,  the  truest 
philanthropists,  assembled  for  the  glorious  object  of  re- 
moving from  our  land  the  curse  of  alcohol,"  and  heard 
"  such  heart-thrilling  appeals  as  never  were  listened  to  in 
Trenton  before."  She  was  impressed  with  the  "  proces- 
sion, bearing  in  its  front  the  great  petition,  as  large  in 
circumference  as  a  barrel,"  which  was  presented  to  the 
State  legislature,  and  in  all  the  exercises  of  the  day. 

Mrs.  James  was  one  of  a  committee  of  ladies  who  pre- 
sented the  petition,  signed  by  thousands  of  women,  pray- 
ing the  legislature  to  enact  the  law  which  had  accom- 
plished such  wonders  in  the  Pine  Tree  State.  She  wrote 
a  poetic  appeal  which  Avas  read  before  the  men  charged 
with  responsibility  in  the  matter. 

Great  things  were  hoped  from  that  effort,  but,  as  in 
too  many  cases  since,  the  temperance  people  were  disap- 
pointed. The  legislature  refused  to  accede  to  their  re- 
quest.    This  heart-stricken  woman  wrote  in  verse  of 


Another  year  !  another  year  ! 
Another  long,  long  year  !  " 


TEMPERANCE  WORK.  259 

of  delay  in  the  enactment  of  the  prohibitory  law,  por- 
traying in  burning  words  the  agony  and  woe  which  must 
come  from  the  postponement  which  to  her  seemed  so 
long  and  sad.  Alas,  alas  !  The  lifetime  of  a  generation 
has  passed  since,  and  her  native  State  and  the  nation  still 
groan  under  the  curse,  growing  more  and  more  bitter 
with  passing  years.  Who  can  tell  what  myriads  might 
have  been  saved  had  all  Christians  been  as  deeply  im- 
pressed with  the  evils  of  intemperance,  the  necessity  for 
total  abstinence,  and  the  righteousness  and  political  wis- 
dom of  prohibition  as  was  this  woman.  What  won- 
ders might  be  accomplished  if  the  Christian  people  of 
to  day  were  all  as  earnest  in  this  cause. 

Mrs.  James  eagerly  seized  every  opportunity  for  per- 
sonal effort  in  behalf  of  the  victims  of  strong  drink.  One 
case  so  well  illustrates  her  energy  and  tact — shall  we  not 
say,  inspired  ingenuity  ? — as  well  as  perseverance  that  her 
account  of  it,  written,  as  was  her  wont,  in  the  third  per- 
son, is  copied  from  the  Guide  to  Holiness.  It  was  pub- 
lished in  1871 : 

The  train  had  just  left  Yarmouth  camp-ground  at  the  close  of 
the  camp-meeting,  in  the  summer  of  1864,  when  a  young  man  of 
respectable  appearance  came  staggering  through  one  of  the  cars,  so 
much  intoxicated  that  he  was  scarcely  able  to  keep  his  feet.  At 
the  extreme  end  of  the  car  was  a  vacant  seat,  and  on  the  next  one 
sat  a  lady  who,  seeing  the  young  man,  touched  his  arm  and  invited 
him  to  occupy  the  seat  beside  her. 

As  she  looked  upon  the  poor  inebriate  her  heart  yearned  toward 
him  with  intense  solicitude,  and  all  the  feelings  of  the  Christian 
mother  were  awakened  in  her  breast.  "I  wonder  if  he  has  a  pray- 
ing mother  ? "  was  her  first  thought.  "Oh,  what  peril  he  is  in !  Can 
I  do  anything  for  him  ?  What  can  I  do?  He  is  not  in  a  fit  condi- 
tion for  me  to  talk  to  him ;  we  have  a  long  journey  before  us,  and 
he  will  become  sober  after  a  while,  and  then  I  will  converse  with 
him." 


260  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

After  some  time  he  arose  and  attempted  to  leave  the  car.  The 
lady  begged  him  to  keep  his  seat,  telling  him  there  was  great 
danger  in  passing  from  one  car  to  another  while  the  train  was 
going  so  rapidly.  Yielding  to  her  entreaties  he  again  became 
seated,  but  after  a  while  repeated  his  attempt  to  leave  the  car. 
Again  she  remonstrated,  urging  him  to  wait  till  the  train  should 
stop.  Looking  at  her  earnestly,  he  said:  "  I  know  I'm  drunk,  and 
I'd  better  be  dead  anyhow.  I'm  a  poor  miserable  wretch,  and  I 
don't  see  why  such  a  lady  as  you  should  care  for  me."  She  said, 
"Have  you  a  mother?"  "Oh,  yes,"  he  replied,  tears  gushing 
from  his  eyes,  "  as  good  a  mother  as  ever  lived,  and  a  good  father, 
too,  and  I  am  breaking  their  hearts.  Oh,  I  wish  I  had  never  been 
born,  to  be  such  a  trouble  to  them !  They  have  been  praying  for 
me  all  my  life  long,  and  I'm  afraid  their  prayers  will  never  be 
answered."  His  friend  said,  "  I  hope  they  will  be  answered  yet, 
and  that  you  will  become  a  good  and  useful  man.  It  is  not  in 
your  power  to  resist  the  temptations  that  surround  you,  but  God 
will  give  you  strength  to  overcome,  if  you  will  ask  Him."  "No," 
said  he,  "there's  no  use  in  trying  anymore  to  break  off  from  drink- 
ing. I  have  resolved  a  great  many  times,  but  have  never  kept  my 
resolution  long,  and  I've  given  up  trying  now.  I'm  going  to  the 
devil  as  fast  as  I  can.  When  I  get  to  Boston  I  am  going  to  the 
worst  place  I  can  find,  and  there'll  soon  be  an  end  of  me,  and  the 
sooner  the  better." 

Finding  that  he  seemed  now  to  comprehend  what  was  said  to 
him,  she  pressed  the  subject  of  religion  upon  him,  telling  him  that 
if  he  would  give  himself  to  Christ  he  might  be  saved.  He  had 
"loved  him  and  given  Himself  for  him,"  was  ready  to  receive  him 
now,  and  would  pardon  his  sins  and  change  his  heart,  so  that  he 
would  no  longer  desire  to  drink  rum  nor  do  anything  sinful.  Why 
would  he  not  now  come  to  Jesus  and  be  saved,  instead  of  giving 
himself  up  to  Satan  ?  Most  fervently  did  her  heart  send  up  its 
supplications  for  help  divine  while  thus  pleading  with  the  poor 
victim  of  the  tempter,  and  as  she  saw  the  tears  flowing  from  his 
eyes,  she  felt  encouraged  to  urge  her  suit. 

Just  then,  observing  a  Christian  brother  near  by  listening  with 
apparent  interest  to  the  conversation,  she  said  to  him,  "  Brother, 
won't  you  help  me  pray  for  this  poor  young  man,  that  the  Holy 
Spirit  may  now  be  given  to  help  him  break  away  from  the  dreadful 


TEMPERANCE  WORE.  261 

snare  of  Satan  and  escape  to  the  arms  of  Jesus  for  protection  and 
salvation  ?  " 

He  said :   "Yes,  sister;  I  will  pray  for  him  with  all  my  heart." 

The  same  appeal  was  made  to  several  others,  for  the  car  was 
filled  with  the  followers  of  Jesus  from  the  camp-meeting,  and  as 
they  bowed  their  heads  in  supplication  the  poor  young  man  bowed 
his  head  also,  saying,  as  he  did  so,  "Yes,  do  pray  for  me;  and  the 
Bible  says,  '  If  two  of  you  shall  agree  as  touching  anything,'  to  ask 
it  of  the  Lord,  if  they  ask  in  faith,  nothing  doubting,  '  it  shall  be 
given  them.1  " 

These  words  of  inspiration,  uttered  by  his  lips  for  whom  their 
united  petitions  were  to  be  offered,  deeply  moved  their  hearts  and 
gave  a  mighty  impulse  to  their  faith.  As  the  ardent  breathings  of 
devout  hearts  went  up  to  the  Hearer  of  prayer,  they  felt  that  the 
wings  of  the  Holy  Dove  overshadowed  them  and  God  himself  drew 
near.  They  had  taken  hold  of  the  horns  of  the  altar,  and  the 
answer  was  sure  to  come.  To  her  heart,  who  felt  the  deepest  solic- 
itude, it  was  spoken,  "He  shall  be  saved." 

When  the  season  of  prayer  was  ended,  the  young  man  fixed  his 
tearful  eyes  upon  her  and  said : 

1 '  I  ought  to  be  good.  I  was  named  for  such  a  good  man.  My 
given  name  is  Isaac  Newton." 

His  friend  said:  "  Sir  Isaac  Newton  was  one  of  the  best  aud  the 
greatest  of  men.  The  same  power  that  changed  his  heart  can 
change  yours  also:  the  same  all-cleansing  blood  of  Jesus  that 
washed  his  sin-stained  soul  can  make  yours  clean,  for  Sir  Isaac 
Newton's  Savior  is  your  Savior.  Jesus  died  for  you.  He  loves 
you.     He  wants  to  save  you  now." 

A  gleam  of  joy  passed  over  his  countenance,  and  he  said:  "Oh, 
how  I  wish  I  could  be  a  Christian !  How  glad  my  dear  parents 
would  be !  I  have  no  doubt  they  are  praying  for  me  now.  They 
don't  know  where  I  am  and  I  did  not  mean  to  let  them  know.  I 
thought  I'd  go  to  hell  anyhow,  and  I'd  go  as  soon  as  I  could,  and 
they  should  never  hear  from  me  again.  I  went  to  that  camp- 
meeting  with  some  of  my  wicked  associates,  and  at  a  tavern  near 
there  we  caroused  all  night.  This  morning  my  watch  and  money 
are  gone !  They've  robbed  me !  Well,  I  deserve  it,  and  hell  itself 
is  not  too  great  a  punishment  for  me.  I  have  been  religiously 
trained,  well-educated,   had  a  good  example  set  before  me,  and 


262  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

knew  my  duty  so  well,  and  to  have  become  such  a  degraded 
wretch !  Oh,  I  must  go  to  hell,  lady,  there's  no  use  in  talking  about 
my  being  saved,  there's  no  mercy  for  such  a  vile  sinner  as  I  !  No, 
no !  You  needn't  say  any  more  to  me,  there's  no  place  for  me  now 
but  one  of  the  awful  places  that  maybe  called  the  vestibule  of  hell, 
and  then  the  next  step  will  be  into  the  pit !  I'm  bound  to  go 
there !  I  tell  you,  kind,  good  lady,  your  sympathy  and  efforts  are 
wasted  upon  me ;  I  can't  be  saved  !  " 

As  he  uttered  these  words  a  look  of  such  anguish  and  despair 
came  over  his  face  that  it  was  awful  to  behold.  It  made  one  think 
of  a  lost  spirit  beyond  the  reach  of  hope  and  mercy ;  and  no  doubt 
Satan  thought  he  had  his  victim  fast  enough  now.  But,  thank 
heaven,  Jesus  triumphed  after  all ! 

"No,  Isaac,"  said  his  friend,  "Satan  must  not  and  shall  not 
drag  you  down  to  the  pit.  He  has  his  chain  around  you,  I  know, 
but  the  Almighty  Savior  can  break  that  chain  and  set  your  captive 
spirit  free !  and  He  will  do  it,  I  know  He  will,  if  you  will  just  say, 
'  Now  I  give  myself  up  to  Thee,  blessed  Jesus ;  save  me !  save  me 
from  the  power  of  sin  and  Satan !  '  Just  as  sure  as  you  sit  on  that 
seat  Jesus  is  here  to  save  you !  "  A  ray  of  light  passed  over  poor 
Isaac's  face  again.  "And  now,"  she  continued,  "  I  have  a  plan  for 
you,  Isaac ;  you  shall  go  home  with  me  and  stay  until  a  situation 
can  be  procured  for  you  where  you  will  be  under  good  influences. 
My  husband  and  I  will  do  all  we  can  for  you,  and  you  will  yet 
become  a  respectable  and  good  man." 

He  looked  at  her  with  astonishment,  and  exclaimed:  "Lady, 
what  does  it  mean  that  you  should  take  such  an  interest  in  such  a 
miserable  drunkard  as  I  am  and  a  stranger  to  you  ?  I  never 
knew  anything  so  strange  as  this."  She  replied:  "It  is  because 
the  Spirit  of  Jesus  dwells  in  my  heart;  His  Spirit  makes  me  feel 
such  solicitude  for  your  salvation,  it  must  be  because  Jesus  wants 
to  save  you  and  means  to  save  you.  Don't  you  think  this  is 
sufficient  evidence  that  there  is  mercy  and  salvation  for  you  ?  " 

"Why,  yes,  it  does  seem  so,"  he  said,  his  eyes  brightening  again. 
Then  he  seemed  to  be  in  deep  thought.  Directly  he  arose,  saying, 
"  I  must  go  into  the  next  car  and  see  a  friend  of  mine.  I  want  to 
borrow  some  money  of  him." 

"No,  Isaac,"  said  his  friend,  "  don't  go  to  him,  he  will  lead  you 
astray  again.     Stay  with  me,  and  it  shall  not  cost  you  anything  for 


TEMPERANCE  WORK.  263 

your  board  in  Boston.  We  will  soon  find  employment  for  you,  and 
until  then  you  will  be  at  no  expense." 

''Thank  you  for  your  kind  offer,  good  lady,  but  I  won't  live 
upon  any  one  without  paying  my  way.  If  you  had  anything  for 
me  to  do,  a  horse  to  take  care  of,  or  any  work  I  could  do,  I  would 
go  home  with  you." 

Just  then  the  train  had  reached  Boston,  and  the  lady's  husband 
met  her  and  was  introduced  to  her  new  friend.     She  said  : 

"  Now  you  will  go  home  with  us,  Isaac." 

"Indeed,  you  must  excuse  me.  I  appreciate  your  kindness,  but 
I  cannot  go  with  you,"  he  replied  with  firmness. 

' '  But  where  do  you  mean  to  go  ?  "  she  asked. 

"Oh,  I  don't  know,"  said  he.  "I  never  was  in  Boston  before  and 
I  don't  know  where  I  am  going." 

"  You  must  go  with  us,"  she  said;  "I  cannot  excuse  you.  Come 
with  us  and  dine,  at  least,  and  then  we  will  see  about  a  place  for 
you." 

Her  husband  joined  in  the  request.  Then,  suddenly  starting  as 
if  to  leave  them,  Isaac  repeated:  "I  can't  go  with  you;  excuse 
me,  madam." 

"  But  you  will  help  us  carry  those  things  to  the  street  car,  won't 
you,  Isaac  ? "  handing  him  her  camp-chair. 

"O  yes,  madam,  with  pleasure;  and  I  wish  I  could  do  a  great 
deal  more  for  you,  to  repay  your  kindness  to  me." 

Arriving  at  the  street  car,  she  said:  "  Now,  if  you  do  feel  really 
grateful  to  me  you  will  manifest  it  by  granting  my  request  to  go 
home  with  me  to  dinner.  That  will  be  the  greatest  favor  you  can 
do  for  me." 

He  then  stepped  into  the  car.  On  arriving  at  the  home  of  his 
friend  he  handed  the  camp-chair  into  the  hall;  then,  turning  to  go 
out  of  the  door,  said,  "I  must  go  now,  indeed,  ma'am." 

"  No,  I  can't  let  you  go,"  she  said,  "  for  your  precious  soul  is  at 
stake!  You  will  surely  be  ruined  !  Do,  I  beg  of  you,  stay  till 
after  dinner." 

Her  entreaties  were  so  earnest,  Isaac  could  no  longer  resist.  He 
went  into  the  parlor  and  took  a  seat.  Soon  after  he  was  offered  a 
bath,  which  greatly  refreshed  him.  He  then  took  dinner,  and 
afterward,  by  the  advice  of  his  friends,  retired  to  his  room  and 
slept  until  the  effects  of  his  inebriation  and  fatigue  were  over. 


264  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

That  afternoon,  a  company  of  devoted  Christians  met  in  the 
parlor  for  social  converse  and  prayer.  Isaac  was  invited  in  and 
took  his  seat,  looking  sad  and  evidently  ill  at  case.  His  friend 
spoke  of  her  providential  meeting  with  the  young  man,  and  how 
God  had  laid  him  upon  her  heart,  and  requested  their  earnest  pray- 
ers in  his  behalf.  While  their  prayers  were  being  offered  Isaac 
wept  much,  and  seemed  to  be  engaged  in  prayer.  At  the  close  of 
the  meeting  he  manifested  a  subdued  and  contrite  spirit  and  seemed 
to  be  thinking  about  the  interests  of  his  soul. 

All  at  once  a  thought  struck  the  mind  of  his  friend,  that  a  camp- 
meeting  was  in  progress  at  Hamilton,  not  far  from  Boston,  and  that 
would  be  the  best  place  for  Isaac.  Looking  to  God  for  His  help  to 
induce  him  to  go,  she  proposed  her  plan,  telling  him  her  son  was 
there,  a  minister,  and  she  would  direct  him  to  his  care.  He  con- 
sented, and  on  the  next  morning,  procuring  a  ticket  for  his  passage 
and  furnishing  him  with  all  things  needful  for  his  comfort,  and  a 
letter  of  introduction  to  her  son,  she  saw  him  off  on  the  train  for 
Hamilton. 

The  nervous  excitement  produced  by  her  intense  solicitude  in 
behalf  of  the  precious  soul  that  was  so  near  the  mouth  of  the  pit 
had  now  prostrated  her  feeble  body,  and  as  she  lay  upon  her  bed, 
her  soul-breathings  into  the  ear  of  Him  who  listens  to  the  cry  of 
His  children  were  unceasing.  "O  save  the  poor  victim  of  the 
destroyer!  Throw  around  him  the  arms  of  Thy  compassion!  Let 
him  find  rest  to  his  soul  at  that  camp-meeting.  Save  him,  0 
Jesus,  save  him !  "  were  the  constant  pleadings  of  her  heart. 

Two  days  after,  her  health  being  improved,  she  felt  a  longing  to 
go  and  look  after  Isaac,  and  started  for  the  camp-ground.  On  her 
arrival  there,  the  first  words  she  said  to  her  son  were:  "Is  Isaac 
converted  ?  " 

He  replied :   "He  is  in  the  altar  among  the  penitents." 

Hastening  to  the  spot,  as  soon  as  she  stepped  within  the  inclos- 
ure  she  saw  him  standing  among  those  who  had  just  emerged  from 
the  bondage  of  sin  into  the  glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God, 
his  countenance  beaming  with  joy  and  his  lips  uttering  praises  to 
his  great  Deliverer. 

The  emotions  of  that  heart,  which  had  felt  such  unutterable 
longings  for  his  salvation,  were  overwhelming.  She  wept,  adored, 
exulted.     "  0  the  wonderful  goodness  of  God,  in  snatching  from 


TEMPERANCE  WORK.  265 

eternal  burnings  that  precious  soul!"  she  exclaimed.  "What  a 
glorious  triumph  of  omnipotent  Grace  over  the  power  of  Satan!  " 

When  Isaac  saw  her  he  rushed  to  her  and,  seizing  her  hand,  ex- 
claimed: "You  have  been  the  means  of  saving  my  poor  soul!  O 
how  wonderful  that  God  should  have  put  it  into  your  heart  to  care 
for  such  a  poor  sinner  as  I." 

The  next  day  he  wrote  to  his  parents,  informing  them  of  his  con- 
version. The  joy  of  their  hearts  was  expressed  in  a  speedy  reply, 
with  an  earnest  invitation  for  the  prodigal's  return  to  the  parental 
home,  and  although  the  efforts  of  his  friends  to  procure  him  a  situ- 
ation in  Boston  promised  success,  he  concluded  to  return  to  his 
parents. 

Several  letters  to  his  Boston  friends  afterward  conveyed  the  most 
pleasing  assurances  of  his  faithfulness.  The  last  intelligence  re- 
ceived concerning  him  was  of  the  most  satisfactory  nature,  making 
glad  her  heart  whom  he  called  his  spiritual  mother,  and  causing 
her  to  praise  and.  magnify  His  great  name,  for  this  marvelous  dis- 
play of  His  power  to  save. 

When  Francis  Murphy,  the  widely  known  temperance 
lecturer,  was  in  Philadelphia  in  the  winter  of  1873  and 
'74,  daily  prayer-meetings  were  held  to  deepen  the  spirit- 
ual impressions  of  the  public  addresses.  Mrs.  James  was, 
at  the  time,  residing  in  Philadelphia,  and  entered  into  this 
work  with  all  the  enthusiasm  of  her  nature.  The  follow- 
ing account  of  her  efforts  is  from  a  letter  to  her  son, 
dated  April  30,  1874 : 

The  temperance  work  multiplies  on  my  hands  and  the  Lord  helps 
me  wonderfully.  I  never  had  more  liberty  in  speaking  than  I  have 
had  in  these  meetings.  A  marked  feature  of  the  work  is  that  it  is 
wonderfully  religious  in  its  character.  Those  who  sign  the  pledge 
come  to  Jesus  and  are  saved.  Our  temperance  meetings  are  some- 
times like  love -feasts.  Salvation  experiences  multiply  daily,  and  it 
is  glorious  to  hear  these  monuments  of  grace  testifying  of  Him  who 
is  "mighty  to  save."  I  never  felt  more  conscious  of  the  Divine 
approval  as  well  as  of  the  anointing  of  the  Holy  Ghost  as  a  qualifi- 
cation for  work.  In  speaking  of  Jesus  and  His  love,  and  leading 
12 


266  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

the  poor  victims  of  the  destroyer  to  the  Fountain  of  cleansing,  my 
heart  has  been  drawn  into  closer  intimacy  with  the  Precious  One 
who  is  my  strength,  my  life,  my  joy.  His  presence  and  smiles  are 
so  cheering,  so  delightful,  that  I  scarcely  realize  my  toils.  "  Labor 
is  rest "  indeed,  when  Jesus  makes  our  burdens  light. 

Desiring,  if  possible,  to  obtain  further  particulars  in 
regard  to  this  work,  the  writer  of  this  volume  addressed 
inquiries  to  the  friend  and  co-laborer  of  his  mother,  Mrs. 
Dr.  Gause,  of  Philadelphia,  and  to  this  lady  he  is  indebted 
for  the  following  : 

"To  do  full  justice  to  the  subject  would  require  a  detailed  narra- 
tive of  numerous  meetings  held  for  prayer  and  exhortation  in  pub- 
lic halls  and  private  houses,  where  Sister  James  became,  as  usual 
with  her,  conspicuous  for  earnest  and  effectual  pleadings  with  and 
for  the  enslaved  who  were  seeking  deliverance  from  their  thraldom. 
.  .  .  The  Women's  Christian  Temperance  Union  established  a 
daily  Gospel  meeting  to  supplement  the  arousing  labors  of  Mr.  Mur- 
phy. They  became  gleaners,  and  most  successfully  did  they  glean, 
gathering  into  the  fold  many  precious  souls.  Sister  James  attended 
many  of  these  meetings,  pleading,  praying,  and  singing  with  a  fer- 
vency that  won  many  souls  and  inspired  her  co-workers. 

"  Of  this  latter  phase  of  dear  Sister  James's  life — inspiring  work- 
ers— I  feel  led  to  say  more:  Five  years  since  we  established,  in  con- 
nection with  our  temperance  work,  a  Ladies'  Union  Devotional 
Meeting  for  the  deepening  of  the  spiritual  life  and  the  communicat- 
ing of  God's  Word,  whereby  women  might  be  educated  for  Christ's 
work,  in  whatever  department,  in  the  order  of  God,  they  might  be 
called  to  labor.  In  this  meeting,  in  its  incipiency,  Mrs.  James's 
words,  testimony,  and  character  shone  forth  with  brilliant  luster. 
She  had  been  in  life  a  success  in  all  lines  of  spiritual  service. 
Truly  she  went  forth  carrying  the  precious  seed,  sowing  by  all 
waters,  in  all  places.  Her  very  looks,  spirit,  manner,  as  well  as 
well-seasoned  words,  carried  germs  that  affected  every  one  who 
heard.  I  find,  as  I  write,  that  mere  words  cannot  give  expression 
to  the  fact  of  Mrs.  James's  rare,  magnetic,  divinely  spiritual  influ- 
ence. 

"To  me  she  was  always  an  inspiration,  leading  me  up  to  the 


TEMPERANCE  WORK.  267 

heights  I  had  not  known,  and  paths  of  deepest  humiliation  were 
pointed  out,  where  is  the  most  fruitful  ground  for  pilgrims  jour- 
neying to  the  celestial  city.  In  all  the  years  I  knew  her  I  never 
found  Mrs.  James  at  a  stand-still  point  or  stagnation  period.  She 
was  ever  stepping  up  and  onward.  Always,  after  one  of  our  memo- 
rable seasons  of  sweet  converse  of  the  deep  things  of  God,  it  was 
'Arise,  let  us  go  onward  unto  greater  victories,  grander  achieve- 
ments, holier  ground.'  The  'parasitism'  that  Drummond  speaks 
of  in  our  churches  to-day  was  totally  unknown  in  Mrs.  James's  life 
and  character." 

One  case  of  marked  interest  which  occurred  in  connec- 
tion with  the  work  in  Philadelphia  was  narrated  in  a  lit- 
tle pamphlet,  or  large  tract,  written  by  Mrs.  James,  en- 
titled, A  Thrilling  Narrative,  of  which  a  small  edition, 
long  since  exhausted,  was  published  by  the  Woman's 
Christian  Temperance  Union.  This  so  signally  mani- 
fests the  divine  power  that  it  is  worthy  of  record  in  very 
brief  outline  here.     The  Narrative  opens : 

One  day  early  in  April,  187-,  a  young  man,  upon  whom  the  de- 
stroyer had  set  marks  too  plain  to  be  concealed,  arose  in  a  temper- 
ance meeting  in  Philadelphia  and  said:  "I  will  give  you  a  page 
from  my  life  history.  I  was  reared  by  Christian  parents  and  taught 
to  revere  sacred  things,  and  until  sixteen  years  of  age  was  correct 
in  my  habits.  About  that  time  I  was  sent  away  from  home  to 
school,  where  I  formed  evil  associations  and  imbibed  a  love  of  strong 
drink.  The  appetite  grew  upon  me  until  I  became  a  confirmed  in- 
ebriate, and  was  expelled  from  college  before  the  period  when  I 
might  have  graduated.  I  went  home  in  disgrace.  Soon  after  my 
return  to  my  parents  I  was  one  night  brought  home  in  a  state  of 
helpless  intoxication.  The  next  evening  I  was  in  the  same  condi- 
tion, and  my  father  bade  me  leave  his  house  to  return  no  more  until 
I  should  become  a  sober  man.  The  terrible  shock  occasioned  by 
my  ruin  and  banishment  from  home  broke  my  mother's  heart,  and 
caused  a  serious  attack  of  illness,  on  account  of  which  I  was  sum- 
moned, within  three  weeks,  to  find  her  in  a  dying  condition.  With 
deepest  sorrow  and  contrition  I  knelt  at  her  bedside  and  asked  and 


268  THE  LIFE  OF  MBS.  JAMES. 

received  my  dear  mother's  forgiveness,  and  promised  to  abandon  my 
evil  ways  and  meet  her  in  heaven. 

"After  leaving  my  home  again,  I  spent  some  time  in  the  study 
of  medicine  and  entered  the  medical  profession.  I  kept  my  pledge 
and  did  well.  On  a  New  Year's  Day  I  made  a  visit  to  my  home 
and  called  upon  my  old  friends.  At  several  places  I  wa^  offered 
wine,  but  in  every  case  declined  it.  Afterward,  calling  on  a  lady 
friend,  she  offered  me  milk  punch.  At  first  I  declined  it,  but  she 
insisted,  saying:  '  It  is  perfectly  harmless,  don't  refuse  it.'  Imme- 
diately the  appetite  revived.  I  took  the  goblet,  drank  its  contents, 
had  it  filled  again,  and  drank  the  fatal  draught.  Went  directly  to 
a  saloon  and  drank  till  I  was  beastly  drunk.  Was  again  discarded 
by  my  father,  and  returned  to  the  place  of  my  residence  to  disgrace 
myself  by  a  life  of  dissipation.  Soon  I  lost  my  practice,  went  away 
as  a  poor  tramp,  and  became  a  wretched  vagabond.  Last  January, 
on  one  of  the  coldest  nights,  I  was  kicked  out  of  a  saloon  at  mid- 
night without  hat,  coat,  or  vest,  having  bartered  them  all  for  rum. 
I  should  have  frozen  to  death  on  the  sidewalk  had  not  a  kind- 
hearted  man  taken  pity  on  me  and  had  me  taken  care  of.  Last 
night  I  signed  the  pledge  at  Mr.  Murphy's  meeting,  and  I  will  try, 
by  God's  help,  to  keep  it." 

This  young  man  and  another,  who  spoke  immediately 
after  him,  calling  himself  the  doctor's  chum,  were  invited 
by  Mrs.  Gause  to  her  home,  where  Mrs.  James  was  at  the 
time  a  visitor.  Their  appearance  caused  Dr.  Gause  to 
remark  to  his  guest :  "  Look,  Mrs.  James !  there  comes 
my  wife  with  a  tramp  on  each  side  of  her."  Mrs.  James's 
account  goes  on  to  say  of  the  wanderer,  whose  name 
was  Henry  S.  Parmelee : 

After  tea  he  took  his  hat  and  was  about  leaving,  but  we  had  all 
with  one  accord  set  our  hearts  to  bring  him  to  Jesus,  and  could  not 
consent  to  have  him  leave  the  house  till  he  was  converted.  Mrs. 
Gause  said  to  him:  uWe  are  going  to  have  prayer,  and  you  must 
stay."  He  consented.  She  took  up  a  Bible,  and,  opening  it,  said: 
"  Listen  to  the  words  of  God.  I  lifted  my  heart  in  prayer  to  Him 
as  I  opened  this  book  and  said :  '  Give  me  a  message  to  Dr.  Parmelee,' 


TEMPERANCE  WORK.  269 

and  this  is  the  message :  ;  I  have  seen  his  ways,  and  will  heal  him : 
I  will  lead  him  also,  and  restore  comforts  unto  him  and  to  his  mourn- 
ers. I  create  the  fruit  of  the  lips.  Peace,  peace  to  him  that  is  far 
off  and  to  him  that  is  near,  saith  the  Lord  :  and  I  will  heal  him.'" — ■ 
Isaiah,  lvii  :  18,  19.  The  doctor  dropped  his  head,  and  with  tears 
exclaimed :   "  That  is  for  me.     I  am  far  off  and  He  is  calling  me." 

We  knelt  in  prayer.     A  devout  Episcopalian  lady,  Mrs.  D , 

offered  earnest  supplication  on  behalf  of  the  repentant  prodigal,  in 
which  all  hearts  earnestly  joined.  Then  the  penitent  poured  out 
his  soul  in  such  strains  of  contrite  pleading  and  confession  as 
melted  our  hearts:  "O  God  !  I  am  a  poor  wanderer  !  I  am  indeed 
far  off.  O  bring  me  near  to  Thee  !  I  am  wounded  and  bruised  by 
sin,  O  heal  me  !  For  Christ's  sake  heal  me  !  I  come  to  Thee,  the 
Redeemer  of  my  soul,  O  save  me  !  I  am  a  wretched,  lost  sinner, 
O  Jesus,  forgive  and  receive  me  ! " 

The  Narrative  gives  details  of  his  struggle,  and  adds : 
"  The  prodigal  went  forth  from  that  house  a  new  creat- 
ure." It  recounts  his  victory  over  tobacco;  his  early 
efforts  as  a  temperance  wTorker,  and  his  subsequent  en- 
trance upon  the  work  of  the  Christian  ministry,  his 
marriage,  and  great  usefulness,  and  then  states  that  he 
died  with  his  relatives,  November  12,  1882.  Here  surely 
was  a  trophy  of  divine  grace,  "  A  brand  plucked  from 
the  burning." 

Many  such  poor  wanderers  were  helped  to  find  their 
way  to  Jesus  by  the  faith  and  counsels  of  Mrs.  James. 
During  her  last  summer  on  earth  she  became  interested 
in  one  whom  she  met  at  Ocean  Grove.  He  had  doubted 
almost  every  truth  of  religion  and  had  no  confidence  in 
its  professors,  but  became  convinced  of  her  genuineness 
and  was  drawn  toward  her  Savior.  After  her  death  it 
was  pathetic  to  hear  his  expressions  of  admiration  of  her 
character  and  gratitude  for  her  labors  in  his  behalf. 

In  the  autumn  of  1874  the  writer  of  this  volume  was 
pastor  of  a  church  in  Stafford  Springs,  Conn.     In  that 


270  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

town,  under  the  iniquitous  license  system,  intemperance 
had  flourished,  and  the  beautiful  village  felt  its  blighting 
influence.  A  Woman's  Christian  Temperance  Union,  one 
of  the  first  in  the  State,  was  formed.  The  subject  of 
this  memoir  was  then  visiting  her  son  and  was  greatly 
interested  and  helpful  in  this  organization.  The  people 
united  in  an  effort  to  carry  a  vote  of  the  town  against 
license,  under  the  local  option  laws  of  Connecticut. 
Among  the  means  used  to  awaken  public  attention  was 
the  circulation  of  a  petition  among  women  for  their 
signatures.  This  petition  was  in  the  following  words  : 
"  We,  your  sisters,  wives,  and  mothers,  earnestly  pray 
you,  our  brothers,  husbands,  sons,  and  legal  protectors, 
to  defend  our  hearts  and  homes  from  the  desolation  of 
rum  by  voting  '  no  license.'  " 

On  the  day  of  the  vote  Mrs.  James  wrote  on  a  sheet 
of  foolscap  paper  a  copy  of  this  petition,  in  very  large 
letters.  To  this  the  more  than  three  hundred  signatures 
were  appended  and  the  document  was  hung  in  a  prom- 
inent place  in  the  voting-room.  That  day  "  no  license  " 
was  carried  by  a  majority  of  one  hundred  and  twenty- 
four,  although  the  year  before  the  majority  had  been 
nearly  as  large  for  license.  One  result  of  the.  movement 
in  Stafford  was  that  the  most  prominent  dealer  soon 
found  himself  in  the  clutches  of  the  law  and  was  com- 
pelled eventually  to  leave  the  place.  Many  believe  this 
was  in  answer  to  the  prayers  of  these  Christian  women. 
Only  once  in  all  the  years  since  has  the  town  voted  for 
license.  The  whole  spirit  and  condition  of  the  place  is 
changed.  Of  course,  Mrs.  James  was  only  one  of  the 
workers,  but  there,  as  in  every  place  where  she  labored, 
her  zeal  and  faith  inspired  and  helped  others  and  God 
was  glorified  in  the  results. 


CHAPTER  X. 

HELPINO    YOUNG   CHRISTIANS. 

A  successful  business  man,  when  near  the  close  of  a 
long  life,  was  asked  what,  in  his  career,  was  looked  back 
upon  by  him  with  most  of  satisfaction.  He  replied  that 
several  times  he  had  embraced  opportunities  to  help 
young  men.  To  some  he  had  loaned  money,  to  others 
he  had  given  counsel,  and  to  a  number  he  had  lent  a 
hand  in  some  time  of  special  need.  Most  of  these  were 
now  winning  success  in  life,  and  it  gave  him  supreme 
satisfaction  to  think  that  the  timely  aid  he  had  rendered 
might  have  contributed  to  that  success. 

If  such  is  the  pleasure  caused  by  giving  aid  in  matters 
purely  secular  how  great  is  the  privilege  of  helping  in 
the  development  of  the  spiritual  life,  especially  of  those 
whom  God  accepts  and  uses  in  His  work.  Perhaps  few 
persons  in  private  life  have  been  permitted  to  do  so  much 
of  this  work  as  the  subject  of  this  memoir. 

Her  published  books  and  her  many  contributions  to 
newspapers  and  magazines  have  been  blessed  to  innumer. 
able  readers.  But  she  was  not  content  with  striving  in 
a  general  way  to  do  good.  It  was  her  habit  to  cultivate 
personal  acquaintance  with  those  around  her,  and  especi- 
ally young  people,  and  by  conversation  or  correspondence 
to  guide  or  stimulate,  to  warn  or  counsel,  as  the  case 
might  require.  A  few  quotations  from  letters  of  those 
who  have  survived  her  and  who  yet  feel  the  impress  of 


272  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

her  hand  upon  them  may  give  some  conception  of  her 
work  of  this  kind. 

About  the  year  1840  Mrs.  James  became  acquainted 
with  the  Rev.  Socrates  Townsend,  then  a  young  minister 
just  entering  upon  his  work.  Impressed  with  his  earn- 
estness and  the  depth  of  his  piety,  she  gladly  corre- 
sponded with  him.  The  first  of  Mrs.  James's  letters 
which  has  come  under  the  writer's  eye  is  dated  Novem- 
ber 28,  1840.  In  the  glowing  style  with  which  the 
reader  has  become  familiar  it  describes  the  visit  to  New 
York  which  was  made  in  connection  with  the  publica- 
tion of  Little  Mary.  The  correspondence  was  continued 
through  the  lady's  life,  and  one  of  her  latest  visits  was 
to  the  home  of  her  friend,  at  Little  Silver,  N.  J. 

In  a  letter  accompanying  the  package  of  highly  prized 
epistles  Mr.  Townsend  remarks : 

1 '  I  need  not  tell  you  what  a  deep  interest  I  always  felt  in  your 
dear,  departed  mother,  nor  need  I  inform  you  what  a  blessing  it  was 
to  me,  as  a  young  minister,  to  have  the  example  and  counsels  of 
such  a  friend  as  she  was.  I  have  often  said  that  hers,  take  it  for 
all  in  all,  was  the  most  beautiful  Christian  life  that  I  ever  witnessed, 
and  shall  always  be  heartily  thankful  that  I  ever  became  acquainted 
with  her." 

Another,  who  not  many  years  later  was  similarly 
aided  by  the  subject  of  this  memoir,  was  the  Rev.  John 
Parker,  now  for  many  years  of  the  New  York  East  Con- 
ference of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  who  thus 
writes : 

"  In  the  winter  of  1848  I  was  engaged  in  revival  work  with  the 
pastor  and  people  of  the  Green  Street  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
of  Trenton,  N.  J.  During  this  winter  I  met,  for  the  first  time, 
your  now  sainted  mother,  at  the  house  of  your  revered  and  saintly 
grandmother  and  uncle,  in  Trenton. 


HELPING    YOUNG  CHRISTIANS.  273 

"I  was  almost  a  stranger  in  this  land.  I  'knew  the  heart  of  a 
stranger.'  Your  mother,  so  wise  of  heart,  no  doubt  saw  some  sign 
of  this  loneliness,  for,  in  a  few  moments,  she  won  my  love  for- 
ever by  saying,  '  Let  me  be  your  mother.'  From  that  hour  she  be- 
came to  me  a  godly  friend  and  safe  counselor.  She  kept  over  me 
a  watchful  interest.  During  several  years  she  wrote  to  me  almost 
every  week,  O  such  inspiring  letters,  full  of  just  the  motherly 
suggestions  I  needed.  I  left  the  old  New  Jersey  Conference,  came 
farther  north,  was  launched  out  into  a  broad,  busy  life  of  a  Metho- 
dist preacher,  since  which  time  she  wrote  and  we  met  only  occa- 
sionally. But  I  know  her  interest  in  me  continued  till  her  departure 
to  her  heavenly  inheritance ;  for  when  weary  and  longing  for  a  little 
quiet  rest,  or  a  specially  good  Sabbath,  she  would  write  to  say,  '  I  am 
coming  to  spend  a  Sabbath  with  you.'  Then  we  got  ready  for  an 
angel's  visit.     And  she  always  left  a  benediction. 

"  The  fragrance  of  her  gentle,  unselfish,  and  saintly  life  was  so 
widely  diffused  that  I  cannot  add  either  to  its  sweetness  or  its 
quantity.  In  every  element  of  holiness  she  was  my  ideal  Christian. 
Whenever  I  have  wanted  an  ideal  life  that  had  made  holy  living 
possible  and  actual  I  have  called  up  to  my  thinking  the  fruits  of 
the  Spirit  as  perfected  in  the  life  of  your  dear  mother,  in  early  life 
my  mother  and  counselor,  in  later  years  my  human  standard  and 
ideal.  I  shall  cherish  the  memory  of  her  holy  life  and  teachings 
and  sing  her  unctuous  songs  till  I  see  her  again  in  the  city  of  many 
mansions." 

A  beloved  nephew  of  Mrs.  James,  Robert  B.  Yard,  en- 
tered the  Christian  ministry  about  the  same  time  as  Rev. 
Mr.  Parker.  Scores  of  pages  might  be  filled  with  extracts 
from  wise  and  helpful  letters  to  this  young  clergyman, 
written  during  the  days  of  his  student  life  and  of  his 
early  labors  in  the  pastorate.  Mr.  Yard  and  his  aunt 
were  kindred  spirits,  and  their  correspondence  was  mut- 
ually profitable.  His  beautiful  and  useful  life  ended 
some  years  before  that  of  her  whose  counsels  did  much 
to  shape  that  life  and  give  it  strength  and  beauty. 

The  announcement  of  the  death  of  Mrs.  James  called 
12* 


274  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

forth  a  letter  from  the  Rev.  Joshua  A.  Lippincott,  D.D., 
now  Chancellor  of  the  Kansas  University,  from  which 
the  following  extract  is  taken  : 

"I  shall  do  less  than  my  duty  if  I  fail  to  say  that  your  mother's 
influence  upon  me  in  the  formative  period  of  my  life  was  very  great. 
Indeed,  I  may  go  farther  and  say  that,  though  in  later  years  I  have 
not  very  often  met  her,  yet  the  memory  of  what  she  was  and  con- 
tinued to  be,  and  of  her  quiet,  gentle  Christian  influence  upon  me 
when  I  was  a  boy  in  Mount  Holly,  of  the  cordial  welcome  that  al- 
ways greeted  me  at  her  house  and  made  me  feel  almost  like  a  mem- 
ber of  her  family — this  memory  has  followed  me  like  a  benediction 
all  these  years,  and  has  exerted  an  influence  I  cannot  tell  how  great." 

These  are  a  few  of  scores  whom  her  gentle  yet  strong 
hand  touched,  and  helped  to  mold  into  men  who  have 
wrought  wisely  and  well  for  God  and  humanity. 

If  this  is  true  of  so  many  who  seemed  to  have  no  claim 
upon  this  good  woman,  save  that  growing  out  of  relation- 
ship to  a  common  Savior  and  their  need,  what  shall  be 
said  of  her  influence  upon  him  whom  God  gave  into  her 
special  charge  and  to  prepare  whom  for  usefulness  seemed 
for  years  to  be  the  chief  object  of  her  life.  No  words  of 
her  son  can  convey  to  another  his  sense  of  obligation  to 
the  one  who,  under  God,  shaped  his  destiny  for  time  and 
eternity. 

To  her  he  owes  the  kindling  of  desire  for  an  education. 
In  answer  to  her  prayers  and  largely  through  her  efforts 
his  way  was  strangely,  providentially  opened  to  secure 
advantages  in  school  and  seminary  and  college. 

As  now  he  writes,  there  is  before  him  a  letter,  only  one 
of  hundreds,  and  yet  one  the  influence  of  which  he  will 
never  be  able  to  estimate.  It  bears  date,  "December  11, 
1852."  It  covers  ten  pages  of  letter  paper.  But  for  its 
length  he  would  yield  to  inclination  and  copy  the  entire 


HELPING    YOUNG  CHRISTIANS.  275 

epistle.  An  outline  must  be  given.  It  was  written  just 
after  the  youth  had  left  the  parental  roof  to  enter  upon 
student  life,  and  is  full  of  counsels  such  as  every  student 
needs,  but  too  few  receive.  Specific  rules  of  conduct  are 
laid  down,  with  comments  and  illustrations  that  add  to 
their  impressiveness.     These  rules  are : 

First. — When  you  awake  in  the  morning  of  each  day  Let  your 
thoughts  immediately  ascend  to  God. 

Second. — Before  leaving  your  room  kneel  and  devoutly  implore 
the  guidance  of  the  Holy  Spirit  in  all  your  thoughts,  words,  and 
actions  through  the  day. 

Third. — Be  very  watchful. 

Fourth. — Cherish  a  spirit  of  gratitude  and  love  to  God  as  the 
Author  of  all  your  blessings. 

Fifth. — Order  your  conversation  aright. 

Sixth. — Read  the  Word  of  God  daily,  and  not  only  read  but  study 
it,  thoughtfully,  diligently,  and  with  much  prayer. 

Seventh. — Be  diligent  in  the  improvement  of  your  time;  let  no 
moment  pass  unemployed  or  unimproved. 

Eighth. — In  all  you  say  and  do,  have  a  single  eye  to  the  glory  of 
God. 

Above  all  things,  be  clothed  with  humility. 

Would  not  any  life  be  made  sublime  by  heeding  coun- 
sels like  these  ?  Few  receive  such  suggestions  at  the 
time  when  the  character  is  being  formed.  Receiving 
them,  too  few  act  upon  them.  Perhaps  one  reason  for 
the  little  impression  that  is  made  by  such  suggestions  is 
that  counselors  cannot  say  as  does  this  mother  in  the 
opening  paragraph  of  the  letter  : 

"Most  fervently  do  I  pray  that  the  Spirit  of  all  wisdom,  truth, 
and  grace  may  dictate  every  word  I  shall  write,  and  that  through  its 
blessed  influence  you  may  be  able  to  act  in  accordance  with  the 
advice  given  you.  Receive  it  then,  my  dear  son,  not  only  as  your 
mother's  counsel,  but  as  coming  from  the  Great  Spirit  in  whom 


276  TEE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

your  mother  trusts,  and  whose  aid  she  invokes  with  humble  and 
heart-felt  reliance  upon  His  gracious  guidance.  Receive  it  prayer- 
fully. When  you  shall  have  read  it  kneel  down  before  the  Lord 
and  earnestly  plead  for  grace  to  enable  you  to  be  governed  by  the 
rules  recommended  for  your  adoption." 

Deeply  does  the  son  feel  that  he  has  failed  to  measure 
up  to  the  standard  set  for  him,  but  few  have  been  the 
days  in  which  counsels  in  that  letter  have  not  come  to 
his  mind  and,  to  some  extent,  at  least,  influenced  his  con- 
duct. There  was  not  a  week  during  the  years  of  his 
young  manhood  in  which  that  mother  did  not  follow  up 
the  impressions  of  that  letter  with  similar  counsels,  oral 
or  written.  Has  not  that  son  reason  to  thank  God  for 
such  a  mother  ? 

Possibly  her  relationship  to  one  striving  to  do  the 
work  of  a  minister  increased  her  interest,  during  middle 
and  later  life,  in  young  men,  and  especially  those  whom 
God  was  calling  to  active  service.  Not  many  years 
before  her  death  the  following  article  from  her  pen 
appeared  in  the  Guide  to  Holiness.  It  expresses  life- 
long convictions,  and  illustrates  this  phase  of  her  work : 

Take  Care  of  the  Boys. 

Sixteen  years  ago  there  were  five  promising  boys  connected  with 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  one  of  the  cities  in  New  Jersey. 
Those  boys  found  a  warm  place  in  the  heart  of  a  Christian  woman 
of  that  church,  who  prayed  for  them,  instructed  them,  and  en- 
couraged them  in  the  good  way,  and  by  every  means  in  her  power 
tried  to  influence  them  to  devote  their  lives  to  the  service  of  God. 
At  her  house  a  meeting  was  held  weekly  for  the  promotion  of  holi- 
ness, to  which  the  boys  were  specially  invited.  The  rich  testimo- 
nies of  devoted  Christians  to  which  they  listened  led  them  to  seek 
for  the  same  blessed  experience,  and  incited  an  ardent  desire  to  be 
Christ-like  aud  to  be  instrumental  in  bringing  souls  to  a  knowledge 
of  Him  whom  to  know  is  life  eternal. 


HELPING    YOUNG  CHRISTIANS.  277 

Their  friend  who  was  so  deeply  interested  in  them  one  day  said 
to  her  pastor:  "  Do  you  know  much  about  the  boys  ?  "  mentioning 
their  names.  "  No,"  he  replied,  "  I  have  but  little  knowledge  of 
them."  She  said:  "I  think  they  are  very  promising.  They  evi- 
dently possess  considerable  talent  as  well  as  piety.  Their  prayers 
and  testimonies  in  the  social  meetings  at  our  house  certainly  evince 
ability  for  usefulness,  and  I  should  not  wonder  if  every  one  of 
those  five  boys  should  be  called  to  the  ministry." 

The  pastor  opened  wide  his  eyes,  looking  astonished,  and  said : 
"Why,  I  never  have  thought  of  such  a  thing!  I  must  look  after 
those  boys." 

From  that  time  he  called  upon  them  occasionally  to  lead  in 
prayer  and  to  speak  in  prayer-meetings,  and  sometimes  they  were 
sent  into  the  country  with  some  of  the  older  brethren  to  assist  in 
meetings.  By  and  by  they  were  licensed  as  exhorters,  and  event- 
ually they  were  sent  to  a  seminary  to  prepare  for  the  ministry, 
and  thence  to  one  of  the  Annual  Conferences,  in  which  they  have 
all  been  acceptable  and  useful  ministers  of  the  blessed  Gospel  of 
Christ  to  the  present  time,  having  fruits  of  their  ministry.  The 
circumstances  leading  to  their  entire  consecration  to  God  were 
recalled  to  mind  while  recently  listening  to  a  sermon  from  one  of 
them  which  thrilled  the  heart  of  their  old  friend. 

In  thinking  afterward  of  other  boys  in  whom,  during  the  last 
half-century,  she  had  been  specially  interested,  and  whom  she  has 
tried  to  help  in  the  service  of  God,  she  counted  twelve  others  who 
are  in  the  Gospel  ministry,  making  seventeen*  in  all,  who  are 
doing  blessed  work  for  Christ  as  His  faithful  ambassadors,  except 
one,  who  has  gone  to  his  reward  in  heaven.  Of  these  some  were 
of  her  own  household  and  several  were  her  scholars  in  the  Sabbath- 
school. 

Besides  these,  many  scores  of  other  boys  were  objects  of  her 
prayerful  solicitude  and  instructions,  who  have  been  led  into  the 
fold  of  Jesus  and  kept  there  by  being  carefully  watched  over  and 
nurtured  while  yet  tender  lambs  of  the  flock.  Many  of  these  are 
now  leading  and  useful  members  of  various  churches;   some  of 


*  In  a  letter  written  a  few  weeks  before  her  death,  Mrs.  James  speaks  of  a  yonng 
member  of  the  New  Jersey  Conference  as  one  of  the  twenty-five  whom  she  had 
helped  into  the  ministry.    So  did  the  number  increase  with  passing  years. 


278  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

them  bid  fair  to  become  ministers,  and  others  have  joined  the 
Church  triumphant. 

The  girls  have  had  an  equal  share  of  her  influence  and  help,  and 
probably  even  more  success  has  crowned  her  efforts  in  regard  to 
them ;  but  it  is  the  object  of  this  statement  to  show  that  great 
responsibility  rests  upon  the  church,  especially  in  reference  to 
boys.  They  are  more  exposed  to  temptations,  more  liable  to  be 
ensnared  by  the  allurements  of  sin,  and  need  the  most  careful 
watching  and  training  on  the  part  of  Christian  parents,  teachers, 
and  friends.  Many  who  might  have  been  this  day  used  by  the 
hand  of  God  in  the  building  up  of  His  kingdom  are  now  being  used 
by  Satan  as  instruments  of  evil. 

If  the  boys  are  not  looked  after  diligently  the  destroyer  will  be 
almost  sure  to  seize  them  as  his  prey.  The  danger  of  their  ruin  is  not 
apprehended  by  their  parents  and  the  church  as  it  should  be,  and 
such  safeguards  are  not  placed  around  them  nor  are  such  vigorous 
efforts  made  to  save  them  as  the  peril  of  their  condition  demands. 

Let  the  church- awake  and  let  Christian  ministers  and  parents  be 
admonished  in  regard  to  this  matter.     Let  us  all  do  what  we  can 

to  TAKE  CARE  OF  THE  BOYS. 

Her  own  statement  above  will  show  that  the  labors  of 
Mrs.  James,  of  the  kind  here  described,  were  not  confined 
to  candidates  for  the  ministry,  or  even  to  young  men. 
Wherever  she  found  one  possessed  of  qualifications  for 
usefulness,  or  one  whose  perplexity  or  discouragement  or 
need,  growing  out  of  any  other  circumstances,  appealed 
to  her,  she  gladly  gave  such  words  or  practical  aid  as 
seemed  to  her  best.  Her  ear  and  heart  were  always 
open  to  hear  a  story  of  difficulties  or  needs,  and  hundreds 
have  received  in  conversation  and  prayer  with  her  such 
help  as  has  lifted  them  to  new  attitudes  of  hope  and 
activity.  Indeed,  it  was  this  Christ-like  compassion — 
"  feeling  with  "  those  whom  she  met,  even  casually — that 
gave  her  whose  work  is  under  consideration  such  a  won- 
derful hold  upon  hearts. 


HELPING   YOUNG  CHBISTIANS.  279 

A  few  months  after  Mrs.  James's  death  the  writer  met 
at  Ocean.  Grove  a  ladj  whose  pen  is  actively  engaged 
for  the  cause  of  Christ.  In  conversation  she  spoke  of 
having  been  introduced  to  Mrs.  James,  and  of  the  im- 
pression at  once  made  by  her  deep  spirituality  and  "  won- 
derful tenderness  for  the  little  afflictions  of  people  that 
the  world  will  pass  by  and  not  notice."  Not  long  after 
their  first  meeting  the  stranger  was  sick  and  sent  for  her 
new  friend.  The  prayer  offered  in  that  sick-room,  the 
evidence  that "  one  can  live  for  a  good  purpose,"  inspired 
in  the  young  heart  a  wish  to  do  so  herself  and  a  convic- 
tion that  by  grace  she  could  do  it.  Said  she :  "  I  shall 
never  forget  the  influence  of  that  visit."  Again  and 
again,  during  a  brief  interview,  did  she  exclaim :  "  I  am 
so  glad  I  met  your  mother." 

Mrs.  James  took  time  to  look  into  the  minutias  of 
the  cares  and  difficulties  of  those  she  met.  "Was  a  lodg- 
ing-place wanted  ?  She  did  not  say :  "  Go  to  such  a 
place,"  but  "  I  will  go  with  you  and  see  about  a  room." 
To  the  young  woman  here  alluded  to  such  an  offer  was 
specially  a  favor,  because  of  what  she  called  her  "  horror 
of  going  among  strangers."  So,  in  all  the  work  of  that 
busy  life,  there  was  no  thought  of  self,  but  the  constant 
effort  to  help  others  and  the  constant  prayer  for  divine 
guidance  in  such  help. 

It  may  not  be  possible  for  many  to  lend  a  hand  to  so 
large  a  number  of  needy  ones  as  came  in  contact  with 
this  Christian  woman,  but  no  life  is  so  poor  that  it  can- 
not make  some  other  life  brighter  and  better.  All 
around  us  are  people  sinking  under  burdens  too  heavy 
for  them,  but  which,  with  our  help,  could  be  easily  car- 
ried. Especially  are  there  young  people  perplexed, 
tempted,  it  may  be,  in  despair,  and  ready  to  yield  to  ad- 


280  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

verse  influences.  As  a  matter  of  pure  enjoyment,  reach- 
ing after  and  helping  one  such  soul  is  worth  a  life-time 
of  selfish  living.  And  then,  has  not  Christ  himself 
taught  us  *  that  the  destinies  of  our  eternity  will  hinge 
upon  our  improvement  of  all  opportunities  for  such  serv- 
ice, even  to  "  the  least  of  these,"  His  disciples  and 
friends  ? 

*  Matt,  xxv  :  31-46. 


CHAPTER  XL 

AT   CAMP-MEETINGS. 

The  love  for  gatherings  of  God's  people  in  groves, 
kindled  by  the  blissful  experience  mentioned  in  one  of 
the  early  chapters,  never  lost  its  influence  over  the  sub- 
ject of  this  memoir.  From  his  early  childhood  her  son 
was  accustomed  to  go  with  the  family  to  these  scenes  of 
Christian  worship,  labor,  and  enjoyment. 

The  first  camp-meeting  of  which  he  has  a  distinct 
recollection  was  that  which  was  held  in  Vincenttown, 
N.  J.,  in  August,  1847.  His  own  love  for  Christ,  kindled 
some  time  before,  had  lost  its  fervor,  and,  in  her  intense 
anxiety  for  his  restoration,  his  mother  took  her  child  to 
this  meeting  under  a  promise  to  seek  the  Savior. 

Two  scenes  come  vividly  before  the  mind  as  it  once 
more  contemplates  that  camp-meeting.  One  is  that  of  a 
little  boy,  kneeling  at  a  bench  in  front  of  the  stand,  with 
his  mother  and  other  Christian  friends,  including  several 
ministers,  prompted  largely  by  regard  for  the  mother, 
kneeling  around  him,  pleading  for  the  divine  blessing. 

The  other  scene  is  in  a  tent ;  the  hour  midnight.  The 
daughter  of  the  presiding  elder  in  charge  of  the  camp- 
meeting,  a  young  miss  from  Philadelphia,  and  the  same 
lad  are  kneeling  at  the  board  seat  in  the  center  of  the 
tent,  again  surrounded  by  Christian  friends.  Before  the 
close  of  that  tent-service  Jesus  manifested  Himself  and 
all  rejoiced.     The  first  of  the  trio  long  since  passed  to 


282  TEE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

the  home  beyond  the  river.  For  a  quarter  of  a  century 
the  other  two  have  itinerated  together.  Is  it  strange 
that  that  camp-meeting  is  remembered  % 

In  meetings  in  consecrated  groves,  if  anywhere  on 
earth,  Mrs.  James  was  at  home.  The  entire  freedom 
from  cares  and  thoughts  of  a  secular  character,  the  leafy 
temple  where  her  nature-loving  spirit  reveled,  and,  above 
all,  the  religious  influences  of  the  place,  lifted  her  to  alti- 
tudes of  holy  ecstasy  above  those  attained  under  any 
other  circumstances.  Rarely  did  a  summer  pass  without 
her  attending  one  or  more  such  gatherings.  From  her 
letters  and  contributions  to  periodicals  a  volume  of  her 
camp-meeting  experiences  might  be  compiled.  There  is 
room  here  for  but  a  few  pages  in  regard  to  this  phase  of 
her  work. 

One  year  later  than  the  meeting  mentioned  above,  in 
August,  1848,  the  camp-ground  near  Yincenttown  was 
the  scene  of  another  remarkable  meeting,  of  which  Mrs. 
James  gives  a  glowing  account  in  a  letter  to  her  neph- 
ew, Rev.  Robert  B.  Yard,  then  preaching  at  Keyport, 
!N.  J.  It  describes  her  own  labors  and  enjoyments,  and 
the  influence  of  the  meeting  in  giving  a  new  impulse  to 
the  work  of  holiness,  especially  among  the  members  of 
the  church  at  Mount  Holly.  Then  comes  the  following 
account  of  the  conversion  of  a  young  lady  in  whose  sal- 
vation both  aunt  and  nephew  had  been  deeply  interested, 
which  shows  this  Christian  woman  at  work  : 

Have  you  heard  that  M B has  given  her  heart  to  the 

Savior  ?  It  is  really  so.  On  Friday  evening  I  felt  my  whole  soul 
going  out  in  earnest  longing  for  her  salvation.  I  had  prayed  much 
for  her  during  the  camp-meeting,  but  had  few  opportunities  of  con- 
versing with  her,  for  she  seemed  to  shun  me,  fearing  I  would  make 
an  effort  to  bring  her  to  the  point,  which  she  much  dreaded,  as  she 


AT  CAMP-MEETINGS.  283 

has  since  told  me,  though  she  had  a  secret  desire  to  be  benefited 
by  the  meeting.  On  Friday  evening  I  addressed  her  pointedly  on 
the  subject  of  seeking  her  salvation,  and  urged  her  to  go  into  the 
Mount  Holly  tent  with  me  to  prayer-meeting.  She  went,  and  I  left 
a  moment  to  get  a  chair,  and  when  I  returned  found  she  had  given 

me  the  slip.     I  requested  Sister  P to  go  with  me  to  look  for 

her.  After  searching  for  some  time  we  found  her  and  brought  her 
back.  She  wept  much,  and  seemed  on  the  point  of  yielding  to  go 
forward  as  a  penitent,  but  the  time  for  evening  preaching  being 
near,  she  said  she  would  defer  kneeling  at  the  mourner's  bench. 

After  preaching  I  again  went  in  pursuit  of  her  and  brought  her 
into  the  Mount  Holly  tent,  where  a  prayer-meeting  was  going  on 
wTith  great  power.  She  knelt  as  a  mourner ;  her  heart  was  com- 
pletely broken  up.  For  two  hours  she  continued  weeping  and  pray- 
ing, but  found  no  comfort.  In  the  morning  after  breakfast  I  took 
her  into  our  tent.  My  heart  was  all  glowing  with  the  Savior's  love, 
and  in  His  strength  who  " giveth  power  to  the  faint"  I  endeavored 
to  show  her  the  way  of  faith.  She  said  she  was  willing  to  give  her- 
self to  Christ  fully  and  be  His  forever.  She  had  renounced  the 
world,  and  all  she  desired  was  to  be  a  child  of  God  and  an  heir  of 
heaven.  I  told  her  if  the  consecration  was  made,  if  indeed  she  had 
given  herself  to  God,  He  certainly  did  then  accept  her  according  to 
His  own  blessed  promise,  and  now  it  was  only  to  believe  with  all 
her  heart  that  she  was  accepted  and  the  evidence  would  immedi- 
ately come,  and  her  heart  would  be  filled  with  joy  and  peace  in  be- 
lieving. She  was  enabled  to  believe  and  entered  into  rest.  We 
commenced  singing: 

' '  He  has  taken  my  feet  from  the  mire  and  the  clay, 
And  placed  them  on  the  Rock  of  Ages  ; " 

and  M joined  her  sweet  voice  with  ours  in  singing  praises  to  Him 

who  had  loved  her  and  given  Himself  for  her.  ...  I  proposed 
her  coming  home  with  me  to  spend  a  few  days,  hoping  she  would 
gain  spiritual  strength.  She  has  been  here  a  wTeek  and  has  been 
gaining  daily.  Her  evidence  of  justification  has  become  very  clear, 
but  she  says  nothing  short  of  holiness  will  do  for  her.  She  must 
be  a  whole-hearted  Christian.  She  says,  in  reading  the  Bible,  she 
sees  it  fully  and  clearly  set  forth  as  the  privilege  and  the  duty  of 
Christians  to  be  holy,  to  love  the  Lord  with  all  their  heart.    .    .    . 


284  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS   JAMES. 

She  has  been  watching  Christians  for  years,  and  has  seen  so  few 
who  were  consistent,  that  she  felt  a  disgust  almost  at  the  name  of 
Christian.  O  Robert,  is  it  indeed  true  that  the  mass  of  profess- 
ors are  really  stumbling-blocks  in  the  way  of  sinners  ?  Awful 
thought  !     .     .     . 

M wrote  a  letter  to  her  mother,  which  she  gave  me  the  privi- 
lege of  reading.  She  said:  "Dear  mother,  can  you  realize,  can  you 
believe,  that  I,  who  left  you  a  proud,  rebellious,  wicked  girl,  am 
coming  back  to  you  a  meek  and  humble  follower  of  Jesus  ?  Mother, 
what  reason  have  you  to  rejoice !  .  .  .  I  wish  to  be  a  deeply 
devoted  Christian.  You  know  I  served  Satan  faithfully,  and  now  I 
hope  I  shall  serve  the  Lord  as  devotedly." 

Some  thirty  years  had  passed,  during  most  of  which 
the  lady  then  converted  had  been  a  happy  wife,  when 
her  friend  was  telegraphed  of  her  sudden  death.  All 
through  those  years  the  convert  clung  to  Mrs.  James 
with  warmest  love.  Only  a  few  days  before  her  death 
they  had  conversed  together  and  promised  each  other  a 
longer  interview  in  the  near  future.  The  bereaved  friend 
wrote  to  her  son : 

I  have  sustained  a  loss  which  I  deeply  feel.  She  was  a  congenial 
spirit  and  a  firm  and  loving  friend.  Her  character  was  lovely  in 
many  respects,  always  doing  good  with  her  means,  and  so  sympa- 
thizing and  kind.  To  me  hers  was  above  ordinary  friendship,  and 
I  prized  it. 

After  speaking  of  influences  that  had  been  helpful  to 
her  departed  friend,  especially  in  her  later  life,  Mrs. 
James  adds :  "  O  what  a  glorious  thought,  that  we  have 
helped  a  precious  soul  to  heaven !  What  can  compare 
with  it  \ " 

In  1856  Mrs.  James  and  her  son  spent  some  weeks  to- 
gether at  Cape  May.  The  son  returned  to  his  pastoral 
work  at  Westfield  and  the  mother  went  to  Philadel- 
phia to  accompany  her  brother,  Mr.  Edmund  J.  Yard, 


AT  CAMP-MEETIN08.  285 

and  some  friends  of  his,  to  a  camp-meeting  at  Penn's 
Grove,  ~N.  J.  Finding  that  Mr.  Yard  had  already  gone, 
and  some  of  the  Philadelphia  people  were  to  follow  on 
Saturday,  Mrs.  James  went  with  this  party  so  as  to  an- 
ticipate, by  forty-eight  hours,  the  opening  of  the  regular 
services.  A  letter  to  the  son,  giving  a  detailed  account 
of  many  incidents  connected  with  this  meeting,  was  pub- 
lished in  the  Guide  to  Holiness,  with  the  title :  "  The 
Power  of  Perfect  Love  in  Usefulness."  Some  extracts 
from  this  letter  will  give  the  reader  an  idea  of  the  man- 
ner in  which  the  time  was  packed  with  sacred  exer- 
cises. 

First  is  an  account  of  the  delightful  preparation  for  the 
regular  work  in  quiet  tent  meetings,  one  of  them  specially 
profitable  on  account  of  a  discourse  by  the  Eev.  Andrew 
Longacre,  from  the  words,  "  I  will  give  to  him  that  is 
athirst  of  the  fountain  of  the  water  of  life  freely."  Then 
follow  some  incidents  of  the  meeting  itself,  but  it  is  of  a 
sort  of  after-meeting  that  the  letter  has  most  to  say : 

On  Saturday,  9th,  the  camp-rneeting  was  formally  closed  ;  but 
many  of  the  Union  Church  Company  remained  till  Monday,  and  a 
number  of  others  stayed  with  them.     On  Saturday  night  Brother 

E [Mr.  Yard]  remarked,  in  the  prayer-meeting,  that,  on  the 

coming  day,  there  would  be  a  great  work  for  us  to  do,  as  there 
were  comparatively  few  of  us  to  labor  ;  and  it  would  be  necessary 
for  us  to  be  clothed  with  divine  power,  that  one  might  chase  a 
thousand,  and  two  put  ten  thousand  to  flight.  A  multitude  of 
unconverted  persons  would  be  on  the  ground,  and  we  must  pray 
God  to  give  us  power  to  prevail  with  them  to  be  reconciled  to 
Christ.  We  thought,  indeed,  when  we  saw  them  coming  the  next 
day,  and  looked  at  our  "two  loaves  and  a  few  small  fishes," 
"What  are  these  among  so  many  ? "  But  we  knew  our  omnipo- 
tent Lord  could  make  them  sufficient.  So  He  did.  Blessed  be  His 
holy  name ! 


286  THE  LIFE  OF  MBS.  JAMES. 

On  Sabbath  morning  I  arose  early  and  walked  some  distance 
from  the  camp  that  I  might  have  a  season  of  communion  with  God. 
I  had  been  longing  for  this  ;  for  no  religious  communion,  no 
privileges,  however  exalted  and  precious,  can  compensate  for  the 
loss  of  this  holiest,  sweetest,  most  precious  privilege,  of  commun- 
ing with  God  alone.  It  seemed  to  me  more  delightful  than  ever 
before.  All  nature  was  sending  up  her  orisons.  The  beautiful 
trees,  as  they  waved  their  branches  in  the  morning  breeze,  were 
praising  the  great  Triune.  The  lovely  birds,  flitting  so  joyously 
from  tree  to  tree,  were  singing  their  matin  songs.  And,  as  the 
bright  rays  of  the  morning  sun  darted  their  radiance  through  the 
foliage,  it  seemed  to  me  they  were  emitted  from  the  Sun  of  Right- 
eousness to  cheer  my  heart. 

0  there  was  a  sanctity,  a  hallowed  sweetness,  in  that  blessed 
Sabbath  day.  As  I  lifted  my  heart  to  the  Most  High  and  asked  Him 
to  fill  me  with  the  Spirit,  that  I  might  be  empowered  to  work  for 
Him,  I  felt  it  descend  upon  me,  and  I  was  so  strengthened  with 
might  in  the  inner  man  that  I  could  not  have  hesitated  to  do  any 
duty.  I  said  :  "Now  Lord,  I  am  ready  to  go  out  to  battle  ;  for 
Thou  hast  equipped  me  for  the  war,  and  in  Thy  strength  I  can  do 
valiantly. 

' ' '  Strong  in  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  a  worm 
Shall  in  His  glorious  might  prevail.' " 

1  returned  to  the  camp  and  sat  for  some  time  on  a  pile  of  boards, 
lost  in  the  contemplation  of  divine  things  and  in  communion  with 
Jesus.  How  clearly  He  made  me  see  that,  of  myself,  I  was  perfect 
weakness,  but,  through  His  strength,  I  could  do  all  things.  Over- 
whelmed with  a  sense  of  His  stupendous  love  and  condescending 
goodness,  I  scarcely  realized  where  I  was  ;  for,  as  yet,  there  had 
nothing  occurred  to  break  the  quiet  of  that  hallowed  spot,  our 
company  being  hardly  awake.  There  I  sat,  rapt  in  the  most  bliss- 
ful meditations  for  some  time — how  long,  I  know  not.  That 
precious  Sabbath  morning  I  never,  never  can  forget.  At  length  I 
went  into  our  cooking  department  and  talked  to  the  poor  colored 
people  about  Jesus.  I  found  one  only  out  of  six  who  loved  the 
Savior.  The  Good  Spirit  helped  me  to  talk  with  them,  and  one 
promised  to  seek  the  salvation  of  her  soul. 

Again  I  said  :   "Lord,  what  wilt  Thou  have  me  do  ?"     A  dear 


AT  CAMP-MEETINGS.  287 

sister,  who  had  been  blessed  the  night  before,  needed  some  instruc- 
tion. I  went  to  her  with  a  message.  She  said  it  was  a  great  bless- 
ing to  her. 

At  nine  o'clock  our  experience  meeting  commenced,  and  the 
presence  of  the  Highest  overshadowed  us.  It  was  a  season  of 
great  interest  and  profit.  Many  had  come  expecting  preaching, 
and  they  listened  with  deep  attention  to  the  testimonies  which 
were  given.  When  I  arose  to  speak  I  was  looking  to  God  for  help. 
He,  indeed,  gave  me  something  to  say.  I  never  was  more  conscious 
of  resting  in  Christ,  and  being  under  the  direct  guidance  of  His 
Spirit,  than  then  ;  but  I  was  led  in  a  singular  manner.  After  re- 
lating a  portion  of  my  own  experience,  a  message  was  given  me  to 
sinners,  and  in  the  strength  of  the  Lord  I  delivered  it. 

I  was  only  the  organ  of  clay  through  which  God  chose  to  speak 
to  the  people,  but  the  power  of  the  Spirit  rested  upon  me.  I  felt 
it  like  fire  in  my  bones.  I  believe  I  could  have  faced  a  thousand, 
yes,  ten  thousand  people,  without  being  daunted,  and  talked  to 
them  of  Jesus  and  the  joys  of  His  salvation.  I  have  often  wondered 
how  our  beloved  Sister  Palmer  could  stand  up  and  talk  before  large 
congregations  and  seem  so  undaunted.     Now  I  understood  it.     She 

"  Sees  the  Lord,  her  keeper,  stand 
Omnipotently  near  ; 
Lo  !  he  holds  her  by  the  hand 
And  banishes  her  fear." 

That  is  the  secret.  It  is  not  because  she  has  so  much  self-confi- 
dence. O  no  ;  but  because  she  trusts  in  the  living  God.  He  is 
her  Strength  and  her  Shield.     Glory  be  to  His  name. 

While  at  the  dinner-table,  some  one  said,  "Sister  W is  yonder, 

talking  with  a  Universalist  lecturer,  and  a  crowd  is  about  her."  I 
thought,  ' '  I  would  not  like  to  be  in  her  place ;  I  should  be  afraid  to 
argue  with  a  Universalist."  Then  I  thought  again,  "Why,  yes,  I 
would,  if  called  by  God,  and  He  filled  my  mouth  with  arguments." 

I  went  to  see  how  Sister  W succeeded,  and  found  she  had  just 

closed  the  conversation;  her  opponent  still  maintained  his  position, 
stoutly  denouncing  the  Bible  and  religion,  declaring  that  all  the 
people  in  the  world  were  sure  of  heaven.  I  had  no  idea  of  saying 
a  word  until  Sister  W had  ceased  ;  then  I  was  impelled  to 


288  TEE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

speak.  I  told  him  I  desired  to  ask  him  a  question.  He  replied,  he 
had  no  time  to  stay  and  could  not  converse  with  me.  I  replied :  "I 
do  not  wish  to  hold  a  conversation  with  you,  only  ask  you  a  ques- 
tion." He  hurried  away,  although  several  gentlemen  urged  him  to 
listen  to  my  question.  I  then  addressed  the  others,  saying:  "I 
will  ask  you  the  question  which  I  intended  to  put  to  the  man  who 
left  us.  You  have  been  listening  to  the  conversation,  and  some  of 
you  may  have  been  influenced  by  his  arguments  ;  for,  although 
utterly  false  and  without  fouudation,  the  doctrine  of  Universalism 
seems  plausible,  and  to  the  unrenewed  and  carnal  heart  it  is  pleas- 
ing to  cherish  the  belief  that  you  may  indulge  in  all  the  sinful 
pleasures  of  the  world  as  long  as  you  live,  and  be  sure  of  heaven 
after  death.  This  is  what  you  are  naturally  inclined  to  do,  and 
perhaps  many  of  you  now  cherish  these  sentiments,  and  are  thereby 
preventing  the  salvation  of  your  souls. 

"That  man  is  in  a  delusion,  and  I  have  no  doubt  but,  at  some 
period  of  his  life,  he  has  been  enlightened  and  powerfully  influenced 
by  the  Spirit  of  God,  and  now  he  is  walking  in  darkness,  and 
perhaps  is  given  up  to  'believe  a  lie,'  that  he  may  be  damned  ; 
because  he  '  has  pleasure  in  unrighteousness.'  Possibly  he  may 
once  have  known  the  way  of  righteousness,  and  has  departed  from 
it  ;  for  apostates  generally  become  the  darkest  and  most  hardened 
in  sin."  "Yes,"  replied  some  one,  "  that  man  was  a  Methodist  for 
seven  years."  I  replied,  "This  is  the  secret  of  his  blindness  of  mind, 
and  I  fear,  from  his  present  position,  he  is  given  up  by  the  Holy 
Spirit  to  believe  a  lie.  But  the  question  I  was  about  to  ask  is  this: 
Admitting  the  possibility  that  Universalism  is  true,  and  that  no 
place  of  punishment  is  for  the  wicked,  will  not  Christians  be  as 
well  off  as  others  ?  Will  it  be  any  disadvantage  to  them  that  they 
have  loved  and  served  God  ?  You  answer,  certainly  it  will  be  as 
well  with  them  as  with  others.  Now  I  ask,  supposing  Christianity 
to  be  true,  and  Universalism  false ;  suppose  there  should  be  a  place 
of  punishment,  as  the  Bible  declares,  and  the  wicked  should  be 
'turned  into  hell,  with  all  the  nations  that  forget  God,'  who  then 
will  be  on  safe  ground  ?  Will  not  sinners  find  themselves  in  a  sad 
condition  then  ? " 

The  countenances  of  all  seemed  to  indicate  an  affirmative  answer. 
Then  I  said,  'k  How  wise  it  would  be  for  you  all  to  secure  an  inter- 
est in  Christ  to-day !     If  religion  can  do  you  no  harm,  but  will 


AT  CAMP-MEETINGS.  289 

make  you  much  happier,  even  in  this  life,  and  give  you  good  secur- 
ity for  an  inheritance  in  heaven,  is  it  not  the  best  thing  you  can  do 
to  embrace  it  now  ? " 

Then  I  commenced  singing, 

«  We're  bound  for  the  land  of  the  pure  and  the  holy, 
Will  you  go  ?  " 

Some  of  the  brethren  and  sisters  joined  me,  and  we  sang  it  in 
good  earnest,  for  the  Holy  Spirit  helped  us.  Many  looked  deeply 
serious.  One  fine-looking  gentleman,  as  he  approached  our  circle, 
looked  at  me  with  an  expression  of  contempt  and  derision,  making 
a  remark  to  some  one  beside  him;  but,  as  I  was  singing,  "  Will  you 
go  ?"  I  prayed,  "Lord,  send  it  to  his  heart  !  "  Then,  fixing  my 
eye  upon  him,  I  repeated  the  words,  ' '  Will  you  go  ?  "  His  counte- 
nance fell.  He  looked  as  if  an  arrow  had  pierced  his  heart.  He 
stood  and  listened  with  a  solemn  countenance.  After  the  second 
verse  was  sung,  I  said,  "Will  you  go  ?  Jesus,  your  Redeemer, 
asks,  '  Will  you  go  ? '  The  Holy  Spirit  asks,  '  Will  you  go  ? ' 
God  has  sent  us,  His  servants,  to  ask,  '  Will  you  go  ? '  This  may 
be  the  last  time  the  question  will  be  asked,  '  Will  you  go  ? '  You 
may  never  again  be  invited  to  heaven.  O  will  you  go  ?  "  We  sang 
the  other  verses;  then  one  of  the  brethren  prayed  with  much 
power.  God  was  evidently  influencing  the  hearts  of  the  people, 
and  we  afterwards  had  the  joy  of  seeing  several  of  them  bow  at 
the  foot  of  the  cross  and  give  themselves  to  Christ. 

When  I  turned  from  this  group,  I  saw  several  men  sitting  near 
and  looking  serious.  I  felt  urged  to  go  to  them.  Two  of  them 
were  intemperate,  and  looked  as  if  they  were  very  poor  and 
wretched.  They  were  brothers.  My  mission  was  to  them;  and, 
wmile  talking  to  them,  I  saw  that  they  felt  deeply.  They  were 
sober  and  understood  themselves  perfectly.  After  pleading  with 
them  for  a  long  time  to  set  their  faces  toward  heaven,  one  of  them 
gave  me  his  hand  and  said,  in  a  solemn  manner,  "I  will  promise 
you  to  set  out  for  heaven  this  very  day.  I  promise  now  I  will  meet 
you  there,  and  think  I  will  know  you  when  I  see  you  in  heaven." 
He  said  he  would  go  into  the  prayer-meeting  and  kneel  wTith  the 
mourners ;  but  had  made  an  engagement  and  was  obliged  to  leave. 
His  brother  also  left,  but  promised  to  return  in  the  evening.  He 
13 


290  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS   JAMES. 

came  to  the  meeting  and  was  converted  before  the  meeting  closed. 
His  wife,  who  is  a  pious  woman,  was  seated  by  him  when  he  was 
blessed,  and  seemed  overwhelmed  wTith  joy.  "  Oh,"  said  she,  "I 
have  been  praying  for  him  so  many  years  and  he  has  come  at  last." 
They  both  expressed  much  gratitude  to  me  for  the  interest  I  had 
taken  in  him.  I  never,  I  think,  will  forget  his  look  when  he  took 
my  hand  to  bid  me  farewell.  I  expect  to  meet  him  and  his  brother 
in  the  kingdom  above.  Several  men  and  some  females  were  blessed 
that  night.  We  closed  up  with  an  experience  meeting  which  was 
deeply  interesting. 

About  midnight,  Brother  E said,  "It  is  now  time  to  close  our 

meeting."      Just  then,   Sister  W brought  in  a  man  who  was 

stricken  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  we  had  to  stay  and  pray  for  him. 
She  left  him  with  us  and  went  to  seek  for  more  of  the  wounded, 
and  directly  brought  in  another.  We  prayed  for  them  till  nearly 
three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  but  they  were  not  blessed.  Next 
morning  one  of  them  was  converted,  and  the  other  promised  never 
to  give  up  seeking  till  he  should  find  Jesus. 

Nearly  all  our  company  went  down,  about  ten  o'clock  in  the 
morning,  to  Penn's  Grove,  as  it  was  raining,  and  they  thought  it 
best  to  be  at  the  hotel  when  the  boat  would  be  ready  to  leave  at 

4  p.m.     But  Sister  W said,  "  There  is  no  need  of  hurrying  off. 

I  mean  to  stop  and  pray  for  this  poor  man  " — one  of  those  awakened 
the  night  before.  "We  can  go  into  the  preacher's  stand  and  be  shel- 
tered from  the  rain,  and  he  may  be  blessed."   I  replied,  "I  will  stay 

and   help  you,  Sister   W ."     Several  remained    with  us.     The 

poor  man  knelt  down,  and  we  were  praying  for  him. 

Suddenly,  Sister  W disappeared  and  returned  with  another 

penitent.  There  were  also  two  young  men  who  were  earnestly 
seeking  entire  sanctification;  one  a  class-leader  from  Harrisburg ;  he 

was  lamenting  that  he  had  come  all  the  way  from  H purposely 

to  obtain  this  great  blessing  and  now  he  must  go   home  without 

it.     We  replied  he  need  not  go  empty  away.     Then  Sister  M 

C talked  with  him,  while  some  of  us  were  praying  with  the 

penitents,  and  she  was  enabled  to  so  explain  the  way  of  faith  that 
they  both  laid  hold  of  the  blessing.  Soon  the  other  two  men  were 
converted  and  we  had  a  glorious  time  at  the  preacher's  stand. 

Nowhere  was  the  rare  capacity  for  effective  labor  with 


AT  CAMP-MEETINGS.  291 

individuals  more  strikingly  exemplified  by  Mrs.  James 
than  at  camp-meetings.  With  her  own  soul  newly 
anointed  from  on  high,  she  seemed  to  have  a  spiritual 
insight  into  the  condition  of  those  about  her  and  a  su- 
pernatural  wisdom  in  dealing  with  them.  At  one  such 
meeting  she  found  a  young  lady  who  regarded  herself 
as  utterly  indifferent  to  the  claims  of  religion,  and  con- 
sidered her  lack  of  feeling  a  reason  for  inaction.  This 
lady  was  soon  made  to  see  that  her  hardness  of  heart 
was  the  result  of  having  grieved  the  Divine  Spirit,  who 
would  return  as  soon  as  she  would  begin  to  seek  God. 
She  obeyed  the  suggestion  and,  without  emotion,  be- 
gan to  ask  for  pardoning  favor.  Soon  she  was  rejoic- 
ing in  Christ  as  her  Savior.  That  lady  for  more  than  a 
score  of  years  did  good  service  in  a  foreign  mission 
field. 

Martha's  Vineyard  was  the  scene  of  several  meetings 
of  great  interest  and  profit  to  the  subject  of  this  memoir. 
The  bracing  sea  air,  the  beautiful  grove,  and  the  de- 
lightful social  influences  were  good  for  body  and  mind 
and  soul.  On  one  occasion  her  sympathetic  nature  was 
deeply  touched  by  the  evident  sadness  of  a  man  and  his 
wife,  who,  though  strangers,  had  been  admitted  to  the 
tent's  company  representing  the  church  of  which  her 
son  was  then  pastor.  Finding  the  strangers  wrere  also 
"aliens  from  the  commonwealth  of  Israel,"  she  rested 
not  until  they  were  brought  into  the  fellowship  of  the 
saints.  So  dear  a  spot  did  the  beautiful  grove  become 
to  these  people  that  they  have  nearly  ever  since  resided 
there. 

If  ordinary  camp-meetings  were  "  Feasts  of  Taber- 
nacles "  to  Mrs.  James,  what  shall  be  said  of  the  National 
Camp-meetings,  specially  for  the  promotion  of  the  work 


292  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

ever  nearest  her  heart,  that  of  the  entire  sanctification  of 
God's  people  %  Of  the  first  of  these  meetings,  held  at 
Yineland,  N.  J.,  in  1867,  she  writes  to  her  son  and  his 
wife  : 

From  the  beginning  to  the  close  there  was  a  continuous  effusion 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  abundant  and  glorious  beyond  description.  I 
cannot  hope  to  be  able  to  give  you  more  than  a  faint  idea  of  the 
blessed  pentecostal  feast.  Ministers  and  people,  with  one  accord, 
sought  the  baptism  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Is  it  any  wonder  that  it 
came  in  large  measure  ?  It  was  just  what  we  all  expected,  and  ac- 
cording to  our  faith  it  was  done  unto  us. 

The  preaching  was  all  attended  with  power,  because  the  preach- 
ers all  had  a  single  eye.  No  desire  for  applause,  hence  no  effort  to 
display  themselves,  only  to  glorify  the  Great  Master  and  advance 
His  kingdom.  There  was  no  conflict,  no  drawback,  for  no  dis- 
cordant elements  were  there.  There  were  over  a  hundred  minis- 
ters, many  of  whom  received  the  baptism  of  perfect  love  for  the 
first  time  and  testified  of  it  before  the  people. 

At  the  JSTational  Camp-meeting  at  Round  Lake,  two 
years  later,  a  sermon  of  marvelous  power,  by  Bishop 
Simpson,  on  consecration,  stirred  the  muse  of  this  Chris- 
tian poet,  and  the  result  was  the  hymn  given  below.  It 
was  written  impromptu  with  pencil.  A  few  minutes  lat- 
er the  author  met  Mrs.  Phoebe  Knapp,  daughter  of  her 
friends,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer,  and  showed  her  what  she 
had  written.  Mrs.  Knapp  sat  down  at  her  organ  and 
soon  had  a  tune  just  adapted  to  its  words  and  sentiment. 
All  the  years  since,  this  hymn,  with  Mrs.  Knapp's  music, 
has  been  one  of  the  battle-hymns  of  God's  consecrated 
host.  Sung  by  tens  of  thousands,  it  has  helped  multi- 
tudes to  the  full  consecration  and  trust  after  which  there 
cannot  be  much  longer  "  waiting  for  the  fire,"  for  God 
bestows  the  fiery  baptism  upon  the  spirit  fully  ready  to 
receive  it. 


AT  CAMP-MEETING8.  293 

Consecration  Hymn. 

My  body,  soul,  and  spirit, 

Jesus,  1  give  to  Thee ; 
A  consecrated  offering, 

Thine  evermore  to  be. 

Chorus.— My  all  is  on  the  altar, 

I'm  waiting  for  the  fire ; 

Waiting,  waiting,  waiting, 

I'm  waiting  for  the  fire. 

0  Jesus,  mighty  Savior, 

I  trust  in  Thy  great  name ; 

1  look  for  Thy  salvation, 
Thy  promise  now  I  claim. 

0  let  the  fire,  descending 

Just  now  upon  my  soul, 
Consume  my  humble  offering, 

And  cleanse  and  make  me  whole. 

I'm  Thine,  0  blessed  Jesus, 

Washed  by  Thy  cleansing  blood  ; 

Now  seal  me  by  Thy  Spirit, 
A  sacrifice  to  God. 

Of  all  the  rallying-places  of  God's  people,  Ocean  Grove, 
"N.  J.,  was  most  precious  to  this  spirit,  so  many  times 
refreshed  amid  its  consecrated  scenes.  When  first  the 
ground  was  laid  out,  by  the  courtesy  of  the  managers  a 
lot  was  assigned  to  Mrs.  James.  On  this  she  placed  a 
cottage  which  for  years  was  her  summer  home.  Not 
more  than  one  season  passed  without  her  spending  at 
least  a  part  of  the  summer  there.  Again  and  again  did 
she  go  early  in  the  season,  thinking  herself  too  feeble  for 
any  service,  but  asking  for  guidance  and  strength.  With 
the  ocean  breezes  and  the  greetings  of  kindred  spirits 
vital  energy  usually  returned,  and  her  letters  would  soon 


294  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

report  activity  and  blessing.  To  some  of  her  personal 
friends  the  place  seemed  lacking  in  a  great  attraction 
when  she  was  absent.  Here,  besides  the  preaching  serv- 
ices, according  to  her  report  for  1876,  which  was  a  sam- 
ple year,  there  were : 

Meetings  for  young  people  at  9  a.m.  for  the  promotion  of  holiness, 
during  camp-meeting  at  1  p.m.,  and  subsequently  at  6.30  p.m.  ;  chil- 
dren's meetings  daily  for  weeks  together,  and  previous  to  camp- 
meeting  one  for  hungry  souls,  called  a  "helping  meeting,"  at  6.30 
every  evening  for  six  weeks. 

During  the  entire  season  meetings  were  held  in  the 
morning,  conducted  by  Dr.  or  Mrs.  Palmer  when  they 
were  present ;  when  they  were  not,  often  in  charge  of 
Mrs.  James.  She  usually  conducted  these  meetings 
through  the  months  of  September  and  October,  and 
rarely  did  a  day  pass  without  some  struggling  spirit 
being  helped  by  her  words  to  find  the  rest  of  faith,  or 
some  one  reporting  a  new  impulse  to  Christian  zeal  and 
devotion. 

Perhaps  the  most  important  work  of  Mrs.  James  at 
Ocean  Grove  was  this,  in  the  early  autumn  of  the  succes- 
sive seasons.  The  crowd  gathered  for  the  regular  serv- 
ices would  be  gone,  but  hundreds  would  linger,  and 
many  were  the  sheaves  gathered  by  this  careful  gleaner 
from  among  those  who  waited  for  the  special  blessings 
God  had  reserved  for  them. 

Since  a  part  of  this  volume  has  been  in  type  a  lady,  ac- 
customed to  work  with  Mrs.  James  in  meetings  for  chil- 
dren held  after  the  camp-meeting,  remarked  to  the  writer 
that  one  season  those  after-meetings  resulted  in  even 
greater  good  to  the  little  people  who  daily  attended 
them  than  did  the  larger  gatherings  of  children  during 
the  camp-meeting. 


AT  CAMP-MEETINGS.  295 

It  was  hers  also  to  give  to  thousands,  through  religious 
periodicals,  a  knowledge  which  they  would  not  otherwise 
have  gained  of  the  work  at  Ocean  Grove.  The  readers 
of  the  Guide  will  recall  the  "  Pearls  "  which  she  gathered 
year  after  year  and  reset  in  its  pages,  to  the  admiration 
and  profit  of  hundreds.  In  the  chapter  entitled  "  The 
Last  Year  "  will  be  found  an  account  of  the  close  of  her 
work  at  Ocean  Grove.  During  the  summer  she  sent  the 
following  to  the  Contributor,  in  Boston. 

Ocean   Grove. 

Of  all  the  places  on  the  sea-coast  in  our  country  there  is,  perhaps, 
not  one  which  can  furnish  such  a  combination  of  superior  religious 
privileges,  with  the  advantages  of  a  delightful  summer  resort,  as 
Ocean  Grove,  N.  J.  To  those  who  value  special  spiritual  helps  and 
the  society  of  the  most  advanced  and  devoted  followers  of  Christ, 
this  is  a  place  of  wonderfully  exalted  privilege.  Here  all  denomi- 
nations meet  and  worship  in  perfect  harmony,  feeling  that  they  be- 
long to  the  same  household  of  faith,  and  while  in  unison  they  wor- 
ship the  Lord  in  the  beauty  of  holiness,  the  blessing  of  the  Highest 
comes  down  upon  them,  and  the  glory  of  God  crowns  the  assemblies 
of  His  saints. 

It  may  truly  be  said, 

"  Here  names  and  sects  and  parties  fall, 
And  Christ  the  Lord  is  all  in  all." 

Never  was  the  prayer  of  our  adorable  Jesus  answered  more  signally 
than  in  this  consecrated  ground  :  "That  they  all  may  be  one,  as 
Thou,  Father,  art  in  Me,  and  I  in  Thee,  that  they  also  may  be  one  in 
us."     Often  is  the  inspiring  song  heard: 

"  Blest  be  the  tie  that  binds 
Our  hearts  in  Christian  love; 
The  fellowship  of  kindred  minds 
Is  like  to  that  above." 

To  Christians  desiring  closest  communion  with  Christ,  the  meet- 


296  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

ing  conducted  by  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  daily  at  9  a.m.  is  particularly 
attractive.  Many  have  been  greatly  quickened  and  advanced  in 
the  spiritual  life  by  this  means  of  grace,  which  is  for  the  specific 
purpose  of  helping  the  followers  of  Jesus  to  a  deeper,  fuller  baptism 
of  the  Holy  Spirit,  and  thus  they  are  qualified  for  the  work  of  bring- 
ing the  unsaved  into  the  fold  of  the  Good  Shepherd.  Soul-saving  is 
therefore  the  result,  and  not  unfrequently  are  found  seekers  of  sal- 
vation in  these  meetings,  for  whom  earnest  prayers  are  offered,  and 
many  have  found  the  Savior  in  these  meetings. 

I  would  not  convey  the  idea  that  the  worldly  element  is  entirely 
excluded.  There  are  many  here  who  seek  pleasure  in  gay  associa- 
tions and  frivolous  amusements;  but  to  find  billiard-saloons,  card- 
playing,  and  the  festive  dance,  they  must  go  elsewhere.  The  sale 
of  intoxicating  drinks  is  not  allowed  within  a  mile  of  either  Ocean 
Grove  or  Asbury  Park,  and  in  Ocean  Grove  the  sale  of  tobacco  in 
any  form  is  not  permitted. 

The  sanctity  of  the  Sabbath  is  one  of  the  most  admirable  feat- 
ures of  this  place.  Perfect  quiet  is  preserved,  unbroken  by  even 
the  milkmen's  bells.  The  trampling  of  horses  and  the  rumbling  of 
vehicles  are  never  heard  here  on  the  holy  Sabbath.  The  hallowed 
peacefulness  of  the  sacred  day  renders  it  more  emphatically  a  type 
of  the  "Rest  beyond  the  river."  This  we  deem  the  crowning 
glory  of  Ocean  Grove,  and  as  special  blessings  are  promised  by  the 
Almighty  to  those  who  hallow  His  Sabbaths,  we  believe  His  wings 
are  spread  over  us  for  our  protection. 

In  the  beginning  Ocean  Grove  was  dedicated  to  God,  and  to  His 
service  and  glory  it  has  been  appropriated  by  its  founders  and  its 
managers.  If  some  have  come  here  for  other  purposes  the  Ocean 
Grove  Association  is  not  responsible  for  their  mercenary  motives 
and  doings.  And  while  it  must  be  admitted  that  the  spirit  of 
speculation  and  worldly  gain  has  appeared  here,  yet  we  look  upon 
those  instances  as  exceptions,  and  the  worship  and  service  of  God 
as  the  predominant  object,  and  we  think  it  a  matter  of  thankful- 
ness that  there  is  a  summer  resort  where  Christian  people  can 
have  their  children  free  from  the  contamination  and  corrupting 
influences  of  fashionable  places  which  now  abound  in  our  country. 

To  her  beloved  sister  in  Christ,  Miss  Elizabeth  Nichol- 
son, whose  joy  it  was  to  mingle  with  Mrs.  James  in  those 


AT  CAMP-MEETINGS.  297 

scenes  of  pentecostal  power,  Mrs.  James  wrote,  after  the 
meeting  closed,  a  glowing  account  of  it,  which  so  im- 
pressed its  recipient  that  after  the  author's  death  she 
sent  the  following  extract  from  it  to  the  editor  of  the 
Ocean  Grove  Record  for  publication.  A  year  later  Miss 
Nicholson  met  with  an  accident  at  Ocean  Grove  by 
which  she  was  maimed  for  months,  and  which  doubtless 
hastened  her  departure  to  rejoin  her  kindred  spirit  in 
the  still  more  blissful  scenes  of  paradise. 

Ocean  Grove  Camp-meeting,  1883. 

What  a  season  this  has  been  of  the  marvelous  work  of  the  Holy- 
Spirit,  in  awakening,  reclaiming,  converting,  quickening,  and  sanc- 
tifying power.  No  camp-meeting  here  has  ever  equaled  this  one, 
and  the  good  accomplished  has  far  exceeded  the  highest  estimate 
that  any  one  would  dare  to  give.  The  hallowing  power  resting 
upon  the  congregations,  the  wonderful  unction  attending  the  preach- 
ing, the  pentecostal  power  in  the  prayer  and  experience  meetings, 
was  really  glorious  beyond  expression.  Wave  after  wave  of  heav- 
enly influence  rolled  over  the  assemblies  of  devout  worshipers, 
and  they  seemed  to  be  on  the  Mount  of  Transfiguration.  It  was 
blissful  indeed !   • 

But  how  meager  are  even  the  fullest,  strongest  expressions  in 
describing  the  wonderful  work  of  our  God  upon  these  human  souls, 
and  the  exceeding  riches  of  His  grace  who  has  loved  us  and  given 
Himself  for  us ! 

So  vast,  so  grand,  so  glorious  it  seems  to  me  that  I  wish  to  think 
and  speak  of  nought  beside  the  blessed,  precious  things  pertaining 
to  our  adorable  Savior  and  King,  and  to  show  forth  His  praise 
must  be  more  than  ever  my  life-work. 

The  writer  of  this  volume  had  hoped  to  give,  from  the 
pen  of  some  one  more  familiar  than  it  was  his  privilege 
to  be  with  the  details  of  his  mother's  work  at  Ocean 
Grove,  a  fuller  account  of  that  work.  This  is  not  prac- 
ticable, and  to  this  meager  record  he  will  only  add  that 
13* 


298  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

on  "Memorial  Day,"  1884,  Mrs.  Mary  D.  James  was 
mentioned  as  one  of  those  who  had  been  called  from 
earth  during  the  preceding  year,  and  a  tribute  to  her 
worth  and  work  was  given  by  *  Mrs.  Kennard  Chandler. 
In  connection  with  these  services  a  tree  was  planted  near 
the  auditorium,  to  which  is  still  attached  a  little  tablet 
bearing  the  name  of  Mrs.  James.  While  those  whom 
she  loved  and  helped  shall,  from  year  to  year,  enjoy  the 
refreshing  shade  of  this  tree,  this  spirit  that  used  to  revel 
in  those  hallowed  scenes  and  exercises  will  await  the 
gathering  of  the  mighty  host  who  shall  forever  thank 
God  for  Ocean  Grove ! 

*  This  will  be  found  in  the  last  chapter  of  this  volume. 


CHAPTEE  XII. 

FURNACE    EXPERIENCES. 

One  casually  meeting  the  lady  to  whose  life-history 
this  volume  is  devoted,  or  knowing  nothing  of  her  but 
what  might  be  gathered  from  her  exultant  testimonies  to 
the  power  of  God's  grace,  might  have  thought  her  a  fav- 
ored child  of  fortune,  carefully  shielded  from  the  ills  of 
life.  The  reader  of  these  pages  has  learned  that  this  was 
a  sensitive  plant,  upon  which  adverse  influences  made  a 
stronger  impression  than  upon  most  natures.  We  have 
seen,  too,  that  while  she  was  not  called  to  bear  such  suf- 
ferings as  have  fallen  to  the  lot  of  some  of  God's  chosen 
ones,  she  passed  through  many  and  severe  trials.  Several 
articles  of  the  series  entitled  Fifty  Years'  Walk  with 
Jesus  were  devoted  to  the  narration  of  the  triumphs  of 
grace  in  some  of  these  seasons  of  adversity.  In  this 
chapter  extracts  from  some  of  these  articles  are  grouped 
together  with  little  reference  to  chronological  order. 

In  one  of  the  earlier  chapters  allusion  was  made  to 
Mrs.  James's  uniformly  pleasant  relations  with  the  women 
from  time  to  time  employed  to  assist  her  in  domestic 
affairs.  The  experience  described  in  the  first  of  these  ex- 
tracts was  in  such  sharp  contrast  with  those  of  her  whole 
life  as  made  it  all  the  more  mysterious  as  well  as  hard  to 
bear.  The  account  is  abridged  from  a  letter  to  her  son, 
quoted  in  the  series  of  papers  mentioned. 

For  the  last  two  weeks  I  have  truly  been  in  a  fiery  furnace, 
"  heated  seven  times  hotter  than  it  was  wont  to  be  heated."     You 


300  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

have  seen  and  known  my  kind  treatment  of  the  woman  who  has  been 
with  me  for  the  last  ten  months,  and  you  have  spoken  of  the  extra 
efforts  I  have  made  to  make  her  happy  and  do  her  good  in  every 
way.  I  remember  you  said,  when  you  were  with  us  last :  "Mother, 
you  are  making  too  much  of  that  woman ;  she  has  become  the  mis- 
tress and  you  the  servant ;  and  you  make  a  better  servant  than  she 
a  mistress !  "  Now  you  will  see  how  I  am  recompensed  for  all  my 
kindness  to  her. 

I  had  learned,  a  short  time  before  she  left  me,  that  she  had  been 
of  late  saying  very  bitter  things  against  me ;  many  positive  false- 
hoods. I  was  much  grieved,  and  felt  it  my  duty  to  speak  to  her  in 
reference  to  her  conduct,  and  after  praying  very  earnestly  that  I 
might  be  enabled  to  keep  my  spirit  calm,  and  speak  such  words  as 
I  ought,  I  had  a  conversation  with  her.  She  became  greatly  en- 
raged, and  said  the  most  shamefully  aggravating  and  insulting 
things  that  could  come  from  a  depraved  heart.  Without  help 
from  above  I  could  not  have  borne  her  abusive  language,  but  look- 
ing unto  Jesus,  and  asking  that  "His  own  meek  Spirit"  might 
"arm  my  breast,"  I  had  the  panoply  divine,  and  so  "the  fiery 
darts  "  did  not  harm  me.  The  wicked  woman  then  hastened  away 
to  vent  her  spite  by  more  scandal  and  falsehood.  I  soon  heard  she 
was  saying  all  manner  of  evil  against  me,  at  every  place  where  she 
was  acquainted. 

This  afforded  the  Adversary  a  good  opportunity  for  a  powerful 
assault  upon  me.  He  said:  "Now  you  see  how  great  a  curse  to 
you  this  woman  has  proved,  whom  you  thought  God  had  sent  as 
one  of  your  greatest  blessings.  You  thought,  too,  that  He  sent 
her  in  answer  to  your  prayers,  as  you  always  do,  and  she  seemed  of 
all  others  the  best  help  for  you,  but  you  see  He  has  sent  a  viper  into 
your  house  which  He  has  allowed  you  to  cherish  for  ten  months, 
and  now  He  lets  her  poison  you  and  your  family  with  her  cruel 
venom !  Is  it  well  to  ask  God  for  such  help  as  you  need,  and  to 
trust  in  Him  as  you  have  done  for  all  things  ?  Now  you  see  how 
He  cares  for  you !  " 

I  soon  discovered  that  it  was  the  Arch-deceiver  who  was  trying 
to  destroy  my  confidence  in  God,  and  said:  "Get  thee  hence,  Satan! 
I  will  believe  in  Him  who  is  my  unfailing  Friend.  '  I  know  whom 
I  have  believed.  He  hath  done  all  things  well.'  He  will  bring 
some  good  out  of  this,  I  know  He  will !  "  "  What  good  can  possibly 


FURNACE  EXPERIENCES.  301 

come  out  of  this  ?"  asked  the  Enemy.  "That  woman  is  injuring 
your  reputation !  she  will  destroy  your  influence  as  a  Christian !  " 
"Oh,  no!"  I  replied.  "My  reputation  is  in  the  keeping  of  Him 
whom  I  serve — the  great  Almighty  and  all- wise  One  who  '  knoweth 
how  to  deliver  the  godly  out  of  temptation,'  and  I  can  trust  it  with 
Him.  It  is  perfectly  safe  in  His  hands — all  the  powers  of  earth  and 
hell  can't  harm  me.  '  All  things  work  together  for  good  to  them 
that  love  God,'  His  blessed  Word  tells  me,  and  I  know  I  love  Him, 
therefore  this  is  going  to  work  for  my  good.  '  The  Lord  is  my 
Rock  and  my  Fortress,  and  my  Deliverer;  my  God,  in  whom  I  will 
trust.'" 

Then  came  so  sweetly  the  precious  words  as  a  special  message  of 
love  from  the  Comforter — "He  shall  hide  me  in  His  pavilion  from 
the  strife  of  tongues,  in  the  secret  of  His  tabernacle  shall  He  hide 
me."  As  I  uttered  these  words,  the  Lord  Jehovah  revealed  Him- 
self to  me  as  my  Almighty  Protector  and  Savior,  in  such  power  and 
glory  as  filled  my  soul  with  rapture  and  my  mouth  with  praise.  I 
exclaimed:  "The  eternal  God  is  my  refuge,  and  underneath  me 
are  the  everlasting  arms  !     Hallelujah  ! 

"  '  While  Thou  art  intimately  nigh 

Who,  who  shall  violate  my  rest  ? 
Sin,  earth,  and  hell  I  now  defy, 

And  lean  upon  my  Savior's  breast  ! '  " 

My  joy  was  so  great  that  I  could  not  compose  myself  to  sleep  for 
several  hours  after  I  had  retired,  but  lay  praising  the  God  of  my 
salvation,  while  the  room  seemed  to  be  filled  with  the  glory  of  His 
presence. 

The  next  morning,  when  I  entered  upon  the  toils  and  cares  of  the 
day,  having  no  one  to  assist  me  in  my  housework,  my  heart  was  so 
full  of  gladness  that  it  did  not  seem  as  if  I  had  anything  hard  to 
do,  or  bear.  All  day  I  went  about  my  work  singing  and  thanking 
God  in  my  heart  for  the  glorious  triumphs  of  His  grace. 

A  dear  Christian  sister  came  in  to  see  me,  to  offer  her  sympathy 
and  aid,  having  heard  that  I  was  not  well,  and  without  help.  I 
met  her  at  the  door  with  a  bright  and  joyous  countenance,  exclaim- 
ing: "Oh,  sister,  help  me  to  praise  the  Lord  for  His  wonderful 
goodness  to  me  !     I  am  truly  in  the  furnace,  but  can  say : 


302  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

"  '  Though  in  affliction's  furnace  tried, 

Unhurt  on  snares  and  death  I  tread  ! 

Though  foes  assail,  and  hell,  thrown  wide, 
Pour  all  her  flames  upon  my  head, 

Like  Moses'  bush  I'll  mount  the  higher, 
And  flourish,  unconsumed,  in  fire  ! '  " 

The  good  sister  said,  "Why,  I  came  to  express  my  sympathy  for 
you,  but  I  can't  pity  you  at  all  —I  really  envy  you  !  "  A  blessed 
season  of  rejoicing  we  had  together  as  we  bowed  before  our  gra- 
cious God,  not  to  pray,  but  to  praise  and  adore  His  ever-blessed 
name. 

Having  occasion  to  go  to  several  places  during  that  day,  wher- 
ever I  went  I  heard  of  the  slanderous  tongue,  pouring  out  bitter 
words  against  me ;  but  it  seemed  no  more  unpleasant  than  if  I  had 
heard  that  the  best  things  in  the  world  had  been  said  about  me. 
And  all  the  way  coming  home  my  heart  was  so  buoyant  it  seemed 
as  if  my  feet  scarcely  touched  the  pavement,  and  my  thanks  and 
praises  were  going  up  all  the  time  that  I  was  counted  worthy  to 
bear  a  small  portion  of  the  reproach  that  my  dear  Savior  endured, 
and  deemed  it  an  honor  to  be  reviled  as  He  was.  His  own  sweet 
words  came  to  me:  "  Blessed  are  ye  when  men  shall  revile  you  and 
persecute  you  and  say  all  manner  of  evil  against  you  falsely,  for  My 
sake ;  rejoice  and  be  exceeding  glad,  for  great  is  your  reward  in 
heaven."  I  said,  "Yes,  dear  Savior,  I  will,  I  do  'rejoice'  !  I  am 
'  exceeding  glad  '  that  I  have  had  this  trial.  I  see  Thy  design  was 
love,  only  love,  in  allowing  Satan  thus  to  instigate  that  woman  to 
this  mischief  against  me.  '  They  meant  it  for  evil,  but  God  meant 
it  for  good,'  and  He  has  overruled  it  for  great  gain  to  my  soul.  I 
am  stronger  now  than  before  the  conflict.  'Thanks  be  unto  God, 
who  giveth  us  the  victory  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  ! '  " 

Continued  triumphs  have  marked  each  successive  day  of  trial 
since,  for  trials  have  been  my  daily  portion.  Feeble  in  body,  no 
help,  and  company  to  entertain  much  of  the  time,  yet  it  has  been 
one  of  the  happiest  periods  of  my  whole  life. 

This  morning  the  mystery  of  that  woman's  conduct  was  solved. 
Her  husband  called  and  inquired  for  her.  On  hearing  my  account 
of  her  strange  conduct,  he  said  she  had  occasional  spells  of  insanity, 
and  he  had  been  a  great  sufferer  on  account  of  her  malady,  and  for 


FURNACE  EXPERIENCES.  303 

several  years  had  not  lived  with  her  on  this  account.  The  wonder 
was  that  I  had  endured  her  so  long.  She  had  never  remained  as 
long  with  any  one  before,  and  he  was  surprised  to  find  that  the  in- 
terval since  her  outbreak  had  been  so  protracted.  He  said,  when 
those  spells  would  come  upon  her,  she  had  no  control  of  her  tem- 
per or  tongue,  and  always  vented  her  spite  upon  her  best  friends. 
This  accounts  for  the  very  strange  manner  in  which  she  had  acted 
for  the  last  two  months. 

Had  I  been  informed  of  this  before  she  came  to  me  I  should  not 
have  taken  her,  and  so  should  have  missed  the  privilege  of  the  trial; 
but  it  was  concealed  from  me  that  I  might  pass  through  the  or- 
deal, so  "that  the  trial  of  my  faith,  being  more  precious  than  of 
gold  which  perisheth,  though  it  be  tried  with  fire,  might  be  found 
unto  praise  and  honor  and  glory,  at  the  appearing  of  the  Lord 
Jesus." 

A  minister  whom  she  had  regarded  as  eminently  de- 
voted and  deeply  experienced  had  in  her  hearing  alluded 
to  the  abiding  consciousness  of  God's  presence  as  a  reve- 
lation new  to  him.     This  caused  her  to  write  in  her  diary  : 

I  thought  to  myself,  "  Why,  this  has  been  the  joy  of  my  heart  for 
so  many  years,  to  be  able  to  say:  'I  am  ever  with  Thee.'  The 
mainspring  of  all  my  work  for  this  blessed  cause  and  the  source 
of  my  spiritual  life  is  the  felt  reality  of  the  indwelling  presence  of 
the  living  Christ."  In  the  contemplation  of  this  exalted  privilege 
and  its  fullness  of  blessings,  my  heart  was  overwhelmed  with  a  sense 
of  the  wonderful  condescension  of  the  Highest  to  me,  so  unworthy, 
so  utterly  nothing,  thus  to  have  blessed  me  from  my  early  child- 
hood with  the  greatest  of  all  blessings,  the  sense  of  His  own  glori- 
ous presence  abiding  ever  with  me.  And  then  there  came  such  an 
unfolding  of  His  glorious  character,  His  infinite  perfections,  the 
attributes  of  His  Divine  and  human  nature  as  the  God-Man  :  and 
then  of  His  love  to  our  fallen  race,  and  to  me ;  that  He  had  taken 
me  into  a  hallowed  union  with  Himself  and  allowed  me  to  be  a 
co-worker  with  Him  in  the  salvation  of  immortal  souls,  oh,  how 
amazing  it  seemed  to  me ! 

July  11. — Fifty  days  have  passed  since  that  blessed  hour  of  holy 
privilege,  and  from  that  hour  I  date  a  deeper  experience  in  the  in- 


304  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

ner  life  which  has  made  the  presence  of  Jesus  the  most  vivid  reality 
of  my  existence.  Most  of  those  fifty  days  I  have  been  suffering 
from  severe  sickness,  but  each  day  has  been  crowned  with  signal 
mercies  and  every  day  has  borne  on  its  wings  praises  to  God  from  a 
grateful  heart. 

Another  entry  thus  testifies  to  God's  help  in  time  of 
need  : 

I  went  to  visit  my  dear  son.  Soon  after  my  arrival  I  was  seized 
with  pain  in  the  region  of  the  heart,  which  caused  intense  suffering 
and  prostration.  While  gasping  for  breath  during  the  whole  night, 
alone,  no  one  being  aware  of  my  illness,  I  lay  praising  my  precious 
Savior,  whose  presence  cheered  the  weary  hours.  As  soon  as  I  had 
recovered  sufficient  strength  to  return  home,  I  came,  but  was  much 
exhausted  by  the  journey.  In  forty-eight  hours  after  my  return  I 
was  attacked  with  erysipelas  in  my  face  and  head,  and  also  a  return 
of  oppression  in  the  chest.  I  knew  my  case  was  a  very  critical  one 
and  my  first  thought  was  to  look  to  Jesus.  The  next  thought  was, 
"  He  is  here.  I  am  in  His  arms — I  am  safe!  ' Living  or  dying  I 
am  the  Lord's.' " 

Then  I  said:  "Dear  Savior,  'with  lamblike  patience  arm  my 
breast.'  " 

The  prayer  was  answered.  Throughout  the  whole  period  of  my 
illness  all  was  peace  and  thankfulness  and  love.  I  saw  so  much  of 
mercy  and  goodness  divine  and  had  such  abounding  comforts  that 
my  soul  and  my  lips  were  full  of  praise.  When  agonized  with 
pain  I  as  sensibly  felt  Jesus  comforting  and  soothing  me  as  if  my 
eyes  had  seen  Him  and  my  ears  had  heard  His  words  of  love. 

But  I  must  not  forget  to  record  a  remarkable  interposition  of 
the  Almighty  Healer.  At  one  period  of  my  illness  the  disease 
seemed  to  have  concentrated  in  one  of  my  eyes,  causing  such  ex- 
cruciating pain  as  to  throw  me  into  spasms.  I  had  several  of  those 
terrible  shocks,  during  which  I  was  conscious  and  had  a  full  real- 
ization of  the  anguish  which  convulsed  my  frame.  I  thought  all  at 
once,  "The  Almighty  Jesus  is  here  and  He  has  the  same  power  to  heal 
the  suffering  body  that  He  had  when  He  lived  on  earth ;  He  is  will- 
ing to  heal  me  and  I  will  ask  Him."  I  then  asked  that  I  might  not 
have  another  spasm  and  that  I  might  be  relieved  from  the  awful 


FURNACE  EXPERIENCES.  305 

suffering.  The  spasms  ceased  at  once.  I  had  no  more  severe 
suffering,  and  from  that  moment  recovered.  After  the  spasms  had 
ceased  the  eyeball  seemed  to  be  running  out.  There  was  a  constant 
stream  of  hot  water  issuing  from  it ;  and  knowing  of  some  who 
had  lost  their  eyes  from  erysipelas,  I  feared  I  should  lose  mine. 

Then  I  thought,  "My  prayer  was  answered  when  I  asked  to  be 
saved  from  the  spasms,  and  why  can't  I  ask  with  the  same  faith 
that  my  eye  may  be  preserved  ?  "  I  did  ask,  and  with  the  same  re- 
sult. There  was  a  gradual  improvement  in  my  eye,  and  now  it  is 
perfectly  restored,  and  my  general  health  is  as  good  as  it  was  be- 
fore my  sickness.  I  will  praise  Him  with  all  my  powers,  "who 
healeth  all  my  diseases,"  and  who  crowneth  me  with  loving-kind- 
ness and  tender  mercies.  "  Bless  the  Lord,  O  my  soul,  and  all  that 
is  within  me  bless  His  holy  name !  " 

It  may  interest  the  reader  to  know  that  it  was  during 
the  time  of  this  trial  that  Mrs.  James  was  called  upon 
to  take  leave  of  her  son  as  he  went  to  his  work  as  an 
army  chaplain.     Of  this  more  is  said  in  another  chapter. 

In  connection  with  the  expression  of  intense  longing 
for  the  death  of  self  and  blessed  realizations  of  the  purify- 
ing work  in  her  heart,  it  is  remarked,  in  the  record  of 
her  inner  life : 

It  is  wonderful  how  self-will  remains  concealed  sometimes,  and 
we  think  it  is  gone  and  that  we  are  all  the  Lord's,  when  suddenly 
something  occurs  to  arouse  the  hidden  enemy,  and  lo,  he  makes  his 
appearance  again  and  we  are  surprised  to  find  he  still  lives. 

A  devoted  Christian  once  remarked  to  me  that  he  had  thought 
self  was  dead  long  ago,  he  had  such  intimate  communion  with 
Christ  and  felt  that  his  heart  was  fully  given  to  Him.  Yet  self  was 
not  dead.  Finding  it  still  lurking  within,  he  besought  the  Lord 
to  drive  out  the  dreadful  foe,  and  the  question  was  put  to  him, 
"  Will  you  go  into  the  furnace  fires  that  self  may  be  consumed  ?  " 
He  replied:  "Yes,  Lord,  let  the  foe  be  destroyed  anyway!  "  Into 
the  furnace  he  was  led  and  suffered  long.  The  object  was  gained. 
He  came  out  "  as  gold  seven  times  purified." 

Am  I  willing  thus  to  be  tried  ?     I  have  often  been  in  the  fires — 


306  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

am  I  willing  the  furnace  should  be  heated  seven  times  hotter  than 
ever,  if  God  will  ?  Perhaps  He  will  test  me  now,  for  He  says : 
"Many  shall  be  purified  and  made  white,  and  tried."  Can  self 
exist  after  the  heart  is  purified  and  made  white,  so  that  we  need  to 
be  placed  in  the  crucible  again  ?  ' '  Even  so,  Father,  if  so  it  seem 
good  in  Thy  sight."  "Be  it  unto  me  even  as  Thou  wilt."  New 
tests  of  the  special  grace  given  (as  narrated  above)  were  soon 
applied. 

After  several  days  upon  the  mount  with  Jesus  she  had  to  go 
down  into  the  garden  of  sorrows.  New  afflictions  came  upon  her 
which  were  truly  agonizing,  like  furnace  fires,  indeed,  well  calcu- 
lated to  test  thoroughly  all  the  grace  she  possessed. 

Just  after  the  experience  here  described  came  the 
removal  to  New  England,  with  all  its  sorrows  and  mys- 
teries elsewhere  alluded  to.  This  statement  may  make 
more  clear  what  follows  : 

The  testing  process  had  to  come  again  and  again;  and  often  was 
I  reminded  of  a  saying  of  good  Father  Thatcher:  *  "  We  can  never 
take  any  grace  into  heaven  but  what  has  passed  through  the  fire. 
All  the  grace  we  receive  must  be  tried.  '  Gold  tried  in  the  fire  '  is 
the  only  kind  that  God  accepts." 

How  fervent  and  how  sincere  had  Deen  my  prayer  that  "  I  might 
know  Him,  and  the  power  of  His  resurrection,  and  the  fellowship 
of  His  sufferings,  and  be  made  conformable  to  His  death."  But  I 
did  not  fully  comprehend  the  meaning  of  that  prayer,  nor  is  it  pos- 
sible for  me  to  do  so  until  the  testing  comes.  Suffering  the  loss  of 
all  things,  when  realized,  is  very  different  from  the  mere  contempla- 
tion of  such  a  trial.  When  my  husband's  business  prospects  were 
blasted,  and  poverty  stared  us  in  the  face,  my  poor  heart  had  a 
struggle,  but  victory  came  very  soon,  and  the  song  of  praise  was 
again  on  my  lips.  His  sauguine  expectations  that  success  would 
surely  crown  the  efforts  of  his  inventive  genius,  and  wealth  and 
ease  for  himself  and  family  would  be  our  portion,  were  not  to  be 
realized.  What  should  we  do  ?  Had  God  brought  us  here  to 
destroy  us  ?  It  really  seemed  so.  I  looked  back  to  our  pleasant 
home  and  loved  friends  in  my  dear  native  city,  and  sighed  and 
*  An  eminent  minister  whom  she  loved  to  remember  as  a  pastor  in  her  youth. 


FURNACE  EXPERIENCES.  307 

wept  as  did  the  Israelites  when  they  thought  of  Egypt  and  longed 
for  comforts  lost.  A  dark  prospect  was  ours  indeed.  What  had  we 
to  look  forward  to  but  destitution  and  sorrow  ? 

At  this  time  of  sore  disappointment  and  loss  my  husband's  health 
had  also  failed,  and  his  life  was  in  great  peril  fox  months.  Our 
expenses,  rapidly  accumulating,  now  appeared  more  formidable  as 
the  means  to  meet  them  were  fast  melting  away.  Amid  the  dark- 
ness a  voice  spoke  to  my  heart:  "  Don't  be  afraid  of  anything  your 
Father  permits.  What  if  a  dark  and  rough  way  is  before  you  ? 
the  Almighty  arm  is  upholding  you,  and  '  All  things  work  together 
for  good  to  them  that  love  God.'"  "Yes,"  I  said,  "I  know  it! 
Oh,  why  did  I  for  one  moment  feel  sad  ?  I  know  my  loving 
Father,  whom  I  have  loved  and  served  from  my  childhood,  will 
not  permit  anything  to  come  upon  me  or  my  dear  ones  but  what 
will  be  for  our  good.  I  will  rest  my  soul  on  this  solid  Rock, 
though  the  billows  roll  mountain  high." 

And  here  I  was  tested  again.  Trials  of  a  still  more  painful 
nature  followed  ;  some  which  seemed  like  tearing  asunder  the 
very  life-cords.  Just  in  the  midst  of  this  tempest  of  troubles  the 
glad  tidings  came  that  my  beloved  friends,  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer, 
were  in  the  city,  and  would  hold  a  meeting  the  next  day.  My 
heart  leaped  for  joy.  Oh,  how  rich  would  be  the  privilege  of 
meeting  those  blessed  servants  of  God  again,  and  listening  to  their 
precious  message  from  above.  The  next  day  I  was  sick  from 
nervous  excitement  and  loss  of  sleep,  and  thought  I  should  not  be 
able  to  attend  the  meeting,  but  my  heart  so  longed  to  go,  and  sent 
up  fervent  petitions  to  the  Heavenly  Healer  that  the  distracting 
pain  in  my  head  might  cease,  so  that  I  might  enjoy  the  great 
privilege  which  I  so  much  needed  and  desired.  By  the  time  I 
desired  to  go  my  head  was  relieved,  and  I  went,  thanking  God 
each  step  of  the  way  for  His  great  goodness.  Just  as  I  had  become 
seated  Dr.  Palmer  announced  the  hymn  : 

"  Thou  hidden  Source  of  calm  repose, 

Thou  all-sufficient  Love  Divine, 
My  help  and  refuge  from  my  foes, 

Secure  I  am  while  Thou  art  mine  ; 
And  lo !  from  sins,  and  grief,  and  shame, 
I  hide  me,  Jesus,  in  Thy  name." 


308  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS  JAMES. 

I  seemed  as  a  bird  let  out  of  a  cage,  so  joyous,  so  bright,  so  free! 
The  realization  that  Jesus  was  to  me  all  that  was  expressed  in  that 
glorious  hymn  so  filled  my  soul  with  joy  that  I  mounted  above  all 
the  sorrows  that  had  been  crushing  my  spirit,  and  forgot  that  I 
had  any  trouble.  The  third  stanza  was  unspeakably  sweet  to  me, 
as  expressive  of  my  feelings  : 

"  Jesus,  my  all  in  all  Thou  art  ; 
My  rest  in  toil,  my  ease  in  pain, 
The  medicine  of  my  broken  heart, 

In  war  my  peace,  in  loss  my  gain  ; 
My  smile  beneath  the  tyrant's  frown, 
My  joy,  my  glory,  and  my  crown." 

How  full  of  heaven  was  that  meeting.  The  prayers  offered,  the 
words  of  exhortation,  all  were  so  blessed  to  me.  And  then  in  the 
evening  I  spent  another  blessed  hour  in  sweet  converse  with  dear 
Sister  Palmer.  Opening  my  heart  to  her,  I  found  a  response  of 
sympathy  and  love  which  was  most  grateful  to  my  tender  heart,  so 
sore  from  recent  suffering.  She  too  had  passed  through  just  such 
peculiar  trials  as  some  of  mine,  and  her  narration  of  them  and  of 
the  triumphs  that  followed  was  so  comforting  to  me,  and  her  lov- 
ing and  wise  counsel  was  a  real  help  and  blessing  to  me.  How  I  did 
thank  God  for  these  springs  in  the  desert,  so  refreshing  to  my 
weary  spirit  ! 

Not  long  after  those  triumphs  my  husband  came  in  one  day,  pale 
and  his  lips  trembling,  as  he  said  :  "Mary,  I  have  had  my  pocket 
picked  and  have  lost  $250  that  I  had  just  drawn  from  the  bank,  and 
some  notes  also  that  would  have  been  worth  $1, 000.  I  am  ruined  ! 
for  there  are  only  $50  remaining  in  the  bank."  As  he  left  me  that  he 
might  look  for  a  detective  to  search  for  the  thief,  I  closed  the  door, 
and,  bursting  into  tears,  exclaimed:  "O  Heavenly  Father,  Thou 
knowest  we  can't  afford  to  lose  that  money,  and  Thou  knowest 
where  the  thief  is  and  canst  so  order  it  that  he  may  be  detected." 
But  the  thought  came,  "It  may  be  we  are  to  be  stripped  of  every- 
thing, as  Job  was,  and  how  often  I  have  sung : 

"  '  I'll  gladly  reckon  all  things  loss, 
So  I  but  Jesus  gain.' 

"Didn't  I  mean  it  ?  Yes,  I  did.  Can't  I  say  it  now  from  my 
heart  ?     Yes,  I  can,  I  will :  Blessed  Jesus,  I  do  say  it,  and  now  '  be 


FURNACE  EXPERIENCES.  309 

it  unto  me  even  as  Thou  wilt.'  Take  all,  if  Thou  seest  it  needful 
that  we  should  be  stripped,  as  Job,  for  an  example  of  suffering 
patience,  and  my  heart  shall  say  with  Job :  '  Though  He  slay  me, 
yet  will  I  trust  in  Him.'"  Then  there  came  such  a  sense  of  the 
tender  love  of  God  to  me  and  such  a  heavenly  peace  as  I  cannot 
express ;  and  the  words  were  spoken  to  my  heart  by  the  Comforter : 
"  You  shall  never  want  on  account  of  the  successive  losses  you  have 
had,  your  needs  shall  all  be  met."  "  I  haven't  a  doubt  of  it,"  my 
heart  replied,  ' '  and  if  the  money  we  have  just  lost  is  never  re- 
turned, I  shall  be  perfectly  satisfied."  Had  I  just  then  received  a 
million  of  dollars  I  could  not  have  felt  more  sure  that  I  and  my 
dear  ones  would  be  provided  for. 

I  was  sitting,  calm  and  happy,  contemplating  the  security  of 
God's  children  and  the  certainty  of  their  supplies,  when  a  knock  at 
the  door  aroused  me  from  my  reverie,  and  opening  it  I  met  a  friend, 
one  of  the  boarders,  who  kindly  addressed  me,  saying:  "I  have 
just  heard  of  your  loss,  and  wish  to  express  my  sympathy  for 
you."  Returning  his  kind  salutation  with  a  smile  and  an  expres- 
sion of  gratitude,  I  said :  "It  seems  a  great  loss  to  us,  but  you 
know  we  are  assured  that  '  all  things  work  together  for  good  to 
them  that  love  God,'  and  therefore  we  should  rejoice  even  in  our 
losses.  I  do  not  feel  sad,  but  very  happy,  because  I  believe  in  my 
heart  that  even  this  seeming  calamity  is  really  going  to  '  work  for 
good'  in  some  way."  The  kind  gentleman  replied:  "Well,  I  am 
truly  glad  you  can  look  at  your  loss  in  such  a  way,  and  feel  so 
cheerful."  I  afterward  learned  that  in  speaking  of  it  to  others  he 
expressed  great  surprise  that  I  was  so  reconciled  to  our  loss,  and 
said  that  grace  must  have  more  power  than  he  had  ever  realized, 
although  long  a  professing  Christian,  and  he  now  saw  its  beauty 
and  strength  brought  out  more  clearly  than  he  had  ever  witnessed 
it.  Thus  was  the  savor  of  the  knowledge  of  God  made  known 
in  a  place  where  vital  religion  was  scarcely  known,  at  least  by 
most  of  the  inmates  of  the  house.  This  was  the  result  of  being  able 
to  "triumph  in  Christ"  under  trials. 

I  was  not  disappointed  when  my  husband  returned,  saying  the 
efforts  of  the  detective  were  fruitless,  and  he  did  not  expect  to 
ever  hear  of  his  pocket-book  again.  Looking  at  me,  he  was  aston- 
ished to  find  a  peaceful  expression  of  countenance  and  to  hear  me 
say :   "I  suppose  our  Father  sees  it  needful  to  try  our  faith  a  little 


310  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS  JAMES. 

more.  Let  us  be  submissive  to  His  will."  He  said:  "Do  you 
think,  then,  it  was  His  will  that  the  thief  should  steal  my  prop- 
erty ?"  "That  He  allowed  him  to  do  it  is  very  certain,"  I  re- 
plied, "  and  that  He  can  make  our  loss  a  great  gain  to  us  and  to 
others  is  equally  certain.  I  know  one  thing,  that  already  God  has 
made  it  a  great  blessing  to  me,  and  I  trust  He  will  enable  you  also  to 
be  spiritually  benefited  by  it."  As  we  knelt  in  prayer  we  felt  that 
the  Ear  which  is  ever  inclined  to  listen  to  the  suppliant  was  opened 
to  us,  and  the  sweet,  soothing  influence  of  the  present  Comforter 
was  resting  upon  the  heart  that  had  not  till  then  been  free  from 
agitation  and  anguish  on  account  of  his  successive  losses.  This 
added  so  much  to  my  joy,  to  see  my  husband  lifted  up  and  to  hear 
him  say  in  reply  to  the  question,  "  Can't  you  trust  now  that  God 
will  take  care  of  us  and  all  will  be  well?"  "Yes,  I  believe 
His  Word,  '  The  Lord  will  provide.'  " 

But  the  trials  were  not  ended.  Week  after  week  our  clothes  were 
less  in  number  when  they  came  from  the  wash  than  when  they  went 
in,  till  our  wardrobe  began  to  be  scanty,  and  old  garments  which 
had  been  laid  aside  had  to  be  brought  out  and  repaired  for  our  use. 
One  day  my  husband  came  to  me,  saying:  "I  have  lost  a  very  valu- 
able gold  watch."  Diligent  search  was  made  without  success,  and 
it  was  given  up  as  lost.  Soon  after  that  he  said  to  me:  "I  have 
just  drawn  our  last  money  out  of  bank— $50 — and  must  pay  it 
nearly  all  away  to-day!  What  shall  we  do  ?  I  see  no  way  for  us." 
I  said:  "We  will  trust  in  God.  He  brought  us  here,  and  He  will 
take  care  of  us.     Let  us  pray." 

As  they  prayed  God  drew  near  and  both  hearts  were 
comforted.  The  trials  continued,  but  every  day  was  the 
promise  fulfilled :  "  My  God  shall  supply  all  your  need 
according  to  His  riches  in  glory  by  Christ  Jesus." — 
Philippians,  iv:  19. 

This  chapter  cannot  be  more  fittingly  closed  than  with 
the  following,  which  was  published  in  the  Guide  to  Holi- 
ness, under  the  title,  "  Triumph  in  the  Darkest  Hour." 
The  poem  is  published  in  leaflet  form  by  James  H.  Earle, 
178  Washington  Street,  Boston.     The  words  have  been 


FURNACE  EXPERIENCES.  311 

set  to  music  by  several  composers.  The  occurrence  took 
place  years  later  than  those  above  described,  but  was  cer- 
tainly among  the  "  furnace  experiences  "  of  this  Christian 
woman. 

One  day  in  the  year  1874  seemed  to  one  who  had  seen  many  dark 
days  the  darkest  in  her  life.  Her  pleasant  home  had  been  broken 
up,  and  with  her  only  daughter  she  had  come  to  spend  some  time 
with  her  son,  the  pastor  of  a  church  in  New  England.  The  daugh- 
ter became  seriously  ill,  and  soon  the  mother  too  was  prostrated, 
and  compelled  to  be  separated  from  the  dear  one,  committed  to  the 
care  of  a  stranger  nurse. 

As  the  mother  lay  suffering  from  pneumonia,  a  letter  came  bear- 
ing the  sad  news  that  her  husband  was  sick  in  a  boarding-house, 
among  strangers,  two  hundred  miles  away.  To  go  to  him  was  im- 
possible. In  addition  to  all  these  troubles,  their  circumstances 
were  straitened,  and  peculiar  difficulties  beset  their  way.  In  her 
extremity  she  exclaimed:  uThis  is  the  darkest  hour  of  my  life!  O 
God,  Thou  art  my  only  Refuge !  "  Instantly  the  precious  promises 
came  to  her  mind  with  unutterable  sweetness  and  comfort,  and  her 
loving  Savior  stood  by  her  side,  so  near  that  she  could  lay  her  ach- 
ing head  upon  His  bosom.  He  said:  "I,  even  I,  am  He  that  com- 
forteth  you."  Then  she  exclaimed:  "Behold,  God  is  my  salva- 
tion ;  I  will  trust  and  not  be  afraid ! " 

Her  dear  son  came  in  and  found  her  exultingly  happy.  She  said 
to  him:  "I  would  like  to  have  a  pencil  and  a  sheet  of  paper." 
They  were  brought  to  her,  and  she  wrote  the  following  lines— an 
effusion  from  her  heart. 

/  Love  to  Trust  in  Jesus. 
"  In  Thee,  O  Lord,  do  I  put  my  trust.'*—  Psa.  xxxi  :  1. 
I  love  to  trust  in  Jesus, 

My  Savior  so  adored : 
As  solid  rock  beneath  my  feet 

Is  His  unfailing  Word. 
I  know  this  firm  foundation, 

And  feel  I'm  so  secure  ! 
His  precious  Word  is  tried  and  proved, 

His  promises  are  sure  ! 


312  TEE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

When  arms  of  flesh  are  failing 

And  earth  seems  cold  and  drear, 
I  love  to  trust  in  His  strong  arm, 

For  then  He  draws  so  near. 
In  deepest  midnight  darkness, 

When  not  a  star  I  see, 
The  harder  then  I  lean  on  Him, 

For  then  He's  nearest  me. 

And  when  the  raging  billows 

Are  threatening  to  o'erwhelm, 
I  love  to  trust  in  Jesus  then, 

For  He  is  at  the  helm. 
Though  clouds  obscure  His  presence, 

I  know  He's  just  as  near  : 
And  still  I  trust  His  changeless  love, 

And  will  not  yield  to  fear. 

I  love  to  trust  in  Jesus 

In  life's  bewildering  maze, 
When  not  one  step  ahead  I  see 

In  all  the  devious  ways, 
For  well  I  know  He  leads  me, 

I  feel  His  mighty  hand 
Is  holding  mine  each  step  I  take 

Through  all  this  hostile  land. 

And  when,  in  life's  last  conflict, 

My  heart  and  flesh  shall  fail, — 
When  o'er  this  frail  mortality 

The  last  foe  shall  prevail ; 
O  then  I'll  trust  in  Jesus, 

The  glorious,  conquering  King  ! 
Who  vanquished  the  destroyer  Death, 

And  took  away  his  sting. 


PAKT    FOURTH. 
THE   SAINTLY   MATRON. 


CHAPTER  I. 


INDIAN       SUMMER. 


If  the  life  we  are  examining  reached  its  maturity  at 
forty -three,  there  came  to  it  in  later  years  a  fullness  and 
beauty  which  no  ordinary  word  describes,  and  which  it  is 
hard  to  characterize  in  a  single  expression  unless  it  be 
"  saintly."  If  to  any  it  should  seem  almost  sacrilegious 
to  use  this  term  with  reference  to  a  mortal,  let  it  be  re- 
membered by  those  who  never  met  her  to  whom  it  is  ap- 
plied, that  all  who  knew  her  intimately  recognized  in  her, 
especially  in  her  later  years,  a  saintliness  not  often  seen  in 
denizens  of  earth.  Probably  none  of  them  would  hesitate 
to  use  this  word  in  speaking  of  her.  It  was  the  divine  within 
that  shone  through  the  almost  transparent  little  form  and 
made  those  who  met  her  think  of  angels  and  Jesus.  It  is 
with  this  in  view,  and  with  the  thought  that  it  was  the 
habit  of  the  early  Christians  to  speak  of  each  other  as 
"  saints  " — men  and  women  sanctified,  consecrated  wholly 
to  Christ  and  His  service — that  the  expression  is  used.  The 
furnace  experiences  which  we  have  been  contemplating 
doubtless  had  much  to  do  with  the  purity  and  luster 
which  subsequently  appeared  in  her  character.  If  afflic- 
14 


314  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

tions  harden  and  sour  the  rebellious,  the  chastening  of 
the  Lord  "  afterward  yieldeth  the  peaceable  fruits  of 
righteousness  unto  them  which  are  exercised  thereby." 
In  this  case  such  was  certainly  its  results. 

Had  Mary  Yard  been  a  hero- worshiper,  the  objects  of 
her  adoration  would  have  been  elderly  people.  From 
childhood  it  was  her  joy  to  listen  to  the  conversation  of 
her  grandmother,  and  the  good  women  of  that  lady's  time 
of  life,  who  were  wont  to  visit  her.  All  through  life  the 
subject  of  this  biography  delighted  in  the  society  of  those 
advanced  in  years.  While  yet  in  middle  life  this  feeling 
was  expressed  in  a  poem  entitled  : 

The  Indian  Summer  of  Life. 
Dedicated  to  Aged  Christians. 

Summer  had  gone,  and  stern  Winter 

Threatened  his  premature  reign ; 
Summer  comes  back  "  on  a  visit," 

Gladdening  our  spirits  again. 

Welcome,  sweet  Indian  Summer  ! 

Following  the  dread,  chilling  blast, 
Emblem  of  summer  unending, 

After  life's  storms  shall  have  passed. 

Flowers  spring  up  in  thy  pathway, 

Fragrance  is  breathed  in  the  air  ; 
Music  and  gladness  attend  thee — 

Loved  Indian  Summer  so  fair  ! 

Birds  stay  their  flight  to  caress  thee, 

O'er  them  thy  magic  is  thrown ; 
Singing  the  choicest  of  carols, 

Charms  of  thy  beauty  they  own. 

Thus,  in  life's  dear  closing  autumn, 
Heaven  seems  drawing  so  near  ! 


INDIAN  SUMMER.  315 

Music  celestial  is  wafted 
Weary,  worn  pilgrims  to  cheer. 

Down  to  old  age  "  they  are  carried, 

Borne  on  the  bosom  of  love, 
Crowned  with  their  silvery  beauty, 

Ready  for  mansions  above. 

Charms  more  than  youthful  invest  them, 

Wisdom's  rich  treasures  untold 
Drop  from  their  lips  as  rare  jewels, 

Jewels  more  valued  than  gold. 

Now  they  are  dwelling  in  Beulah, 

Near  to  the  land  of  the  blest  : 
Only  a  stream  intervening, 

Only  a  step  to  their  rest  ! 

Sweet  are  the  breezes  that  fan  them, 

Fragrant  with  odors  of  love, 
Borne  from  the  gardens  of  spices, 

Fresh  from  the  Eden  above. 

Beautiful  Indian  Summer, 

Closing  the  autumn  of  life  : 
Cloudless  and  calm,  the  old  pilgrims 

Welcome  the  end  of  earth's  strife. 

Glowing  as  autumn's  bright  foliage, 

Sweet  as  its  soft,  balmy  air 
Laden  with  loveliest  fruitage, 

God's  blessed  signet  they  bear. 

Precious  life's  Indian  Summer! 

Brightened  by  Heaven's  own  light  ; 
Cherished  the  days  of  the  aged ; 

Soon  they  will  pass  from  our  sight. 

Fain  would  we  have  them  still  linger, 

Blest  by  their  mission  of  love ; 
Links  of  a  golden  chain,  binding 

Earth  to  the  heaven  above. 


316  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

Blessed  their  hours  of  waiting, 

After  the  day's  work  is  done ; 
Resting  in  calm,  peaceful  twilight, 

Ere  the  night's  sleep  is  begun. 

Leaves  in  the  autumn  are  falling 

Not  from  untimely  decay — 
Ripe  in  the  fullness  of  beauty, 

Rich  in  their  gorgeous  array 

Thus,  when  their  mission  is  ended, 

Dropping  at  Heaven's  behest, 
Spreading  an  elegant  carpet 

Over  earth's  desolate  breast, 

So  do  the  dear  aged  pilgrims, 

Ripe  in  the  graces  divine, 
Falling  in  life's  tranquil  autumn, 

Grand  in  their  loveliness  shine. 

Returning  from  this  digression,  in  which  we  have  ex- 
amined phases  of  the  work  and  peculiar  experiences  of 
Mrs.  James,  we  again  take  up  the  thread  of  the  life-story 
at  the  point  where  this  description  is  peculiarly  applicable 
to  its  writer. 

"With  her  own  entrance  upon  life's  Indian  Summer  there 
came  to  Mrs.  James  marked  changes,  some  of  them  far 
from  pleasing.  Her  husband's  inventions  were  not  bring- 
ing to  him  the  pecuniary  gains  he  had  anticipated.  His 
failures,  like  those  of  most  inventors,  seemed  only  to 
brighten  his  hopes  of  final  success.  The  pursuit  of  the 
object  of  his  life  involved  frequent  changes  of  residence. 
After  the  breaking  up  of  their  Trenton  home  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  James  did  not  attempt,  except  for  a  short  period  at 
a  time,  to  keep  house.  Mr.  James  would  find  a  boarding- 
place  where  for  the  time  he  desired  to  be  in  order  to 
perfect  or  introduce  his  improvements.     Frequently  the 


INDIAN  SUMMER.  317 

temporary  home  selected  by  the  husband  could  not  be 
made  comfortable  for  the  wife  also.  It  was  a  great  trial 
to  both  to  be  separated.  Especially  did  the  sensitive 
nature  of  Mrs.  James  suffer  on  account  of  the  unsettled 
mode  of  life  which  seemed  necessary. 

It  was  a  peculiar  trial  to  her  also  to  be  separated  from 
her  only  surviving  daughter,  to  whom  she  clung  with 
increasing  fondness  after  her  sister's  death.  Earely 
during  these  ten  years  was  it  possible  for  the  three  to  be 
together  more  than  a  few  weeks  at  a  time,  and  only 
once,  and  for  less  than  four  months,  had  they  a  "  home" 
of  their  own. 

Far  from  being  least  among  the  trials  of  this  period 
was  that  of  knowing  that  her  course  must  be  the  subject 
of  unfavorable  remark  by  those  who  could  not  under- 
stand the  reasons  for  such  a  domestic  break-up.  She 
could  only  commit  the  whole  matter  to  the  all-wise  Dis- 
poser of  human  affairs,  who  knew  the  love  which  bound 
together  these  hearts,  and  had  permitted  the  family  to  be 
thus  divided. 

If  there  was  a  compensation  for  the  loss  so  deeply  felt, 
it  was  in  the  enlarged  opportunities  for  Christian  work 
afforded  during  these  years.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that 
hundreds,  perhaps  thousands,  came  within  reach  of  the 
personal  influence  of  this  anointed  messenger  of  God, 
who  would  never  have  seen  her  if  her  life  had  moved  on 
in  the  path  which  her  husband  and  herself  would  nat- 
urally have  chosen.  The  intensity  of  her  desire  for  use- 
fulness caused  her  to  see  in  this  arrangement  the  Hand 
divine,  and  to  enter  every  door  of  service  for  Jesus  thus 
opened  to  her. 

In  early  life  this  consecrated  woman  had  thought  her- 
self called  to  be  a  missionary.     Had  He  who  called  her 


318  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

prepared  her,  by  a  training  of  half  a  century,  and  then 
thrust  her  out  upon  this  unique  mission  work  ?  Mistakes 
may  have  been  made,  but  her  heart  was  loyal  to  Christ, 
and  He  overruled  all  to  her  large  usefulness.  In  her 
case  was  the  promise  fulfilled :  "  They  shall  still  bring 
forth  fruit  in  old  age."  The  last  ten  years  of  the  life  we 
are  tracing  were  by  far  the  most  fruitful  in  evident  use- 
fulness. 

The  "  Elim,"  at  Pennington,  "N.  J.,  where,  as  we  saw 
in  the  chapter  entitled  "  Once  More  in  New  Jersey," 
Mrs.  James  found  a  resting-place  after  the  turmoil  at- 
tending the  breaking  up  in  Trenton,  was  in  the  home  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  J.  Avard.  "  Evergreen  Farm," 
where  they  spent  many  years,  had  often  afforded  her  a 
haven  from  the  cares  and  unhealthy  influences  of  the 
city.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Avard  had  now  removed  to  the  vil- 
lage of  Pennington.  To  Mrs.  Annie  M.  Meeker,  their 
only  daughter,  and  the  wife  of  Mr.  Cornelius  Meeker, 
now  of  Bloomfield,  N.  J.,  we  are  indebted  for  a  trib- 
ute to  Mrs.  James,  part  of  which  will  be  in  place  just 
here : 

"From  my  earliest  childhood  she  was  a  frequent  visitor  at  my 
home,  where  she  was  highly  esteemed  for  her  Christian  graces. 
Praise  and  prayer  seemed  to  be  her  native  language,  and  in  social 
gatherings  at  my  father's  house  I  well  remember  how  ready  she  was 
to  turn  the  conversation  in  a  religious  channel.  Some  little  inci- 
dent or  vivid  experience  would  be  the  entering  wedge.  Then  she 
would  discourse  so  sweetly  of  the  good  things  of  the  Kingdom  that 
she  held  her  listeners  almost  spellbound.  At  the  same'  time  she 
was  very  apt  in  drawing  others  out  and  helping  them  when  their 
way  was  not  plain. 

"  We  have  often  thought  that  in  her  social  life  her  influence  was 
as  widespread  as  in  her  public  efforts.  She  had  a  pleasant  word 
and  winning  smile  for  all.     She  and  my  mother  were  once  at  a 


INDIAN  SUMMER.  319 

church-gathering  in  a  grove.  In  their  walk  they  met  three  old 
colored  women.  Mrs.  James  stepped  up,  shook  hands  with  them, 
and  spoke  in  her  pleasant  manner.  The  question  was  asked  :  '  Do 
you  know  them?'  'Oh,  no,' was  the  answer;  'but  kind  words 
cost  nothing,  and  then  I  wanted  to  point  them  to  my  Savior.'  At 
another  time  the  family  were  invited  to  tea  in  an  ungodly  family 
and  among  uncongenial  people.  Mrs.  James  had  come  for  quiet 
and  rest,  as  she  often  did  to  my  mother's,  and  was  busy  with  her 
pen.  She  did  not  know  how  to  take  the  time,  but  said :  '  Perhaps 
I  can  carry  a  message  for  Jesus,'  and  went.  They  listened  to  her 
attentively.  Thus  she  made  it  her  life-work  to  sow  'beside  all 
waters.'" 

In  many  other  homes  where  Mrs.  James  was  a  guest 
a  similar  impression  was  made,  especially  in  the  years 
now  passing  under  review. 

The  chapter  on  temperance  work  gives  some  account 
of  the  manner  in  which  Mrs.  James  spent  the  winter  of 
1873-74.  After  a  summer,  much  of  which  was  spent  at 
Ocean  Grove,  as,  indeed,  were  nearly  all  her  later  sum- 
mers, she  found  herself  again  in  Philadelphia,  where 
Messrs.  Moody  and  Sankey  were  holding  the  famous 
"  depot  "  meetings.  The  reader  will  not  be  surprised  at 
her  statement : 

I  go  occasionally  to  the  meetings  of  Moody  and  Sankey,  and  have 
been  deeply  interested  and  often  thrilled  with  the  simple,  yet  won- 
derfully powerful,  presentations  of  gospel  truth  and  the  glorious  re- 
sult in  the  awakening  of  souls.  On  Sabbath  evening  hundreds 
arose  for  prayer  and  afterward  flocked  into  the  inquiry  rooms.  As 
I  stood  and  saw  them  coming  up  the  aisles,  young  men,  middle- 
aged,  and  old  pressing  their  way  through  the  crowd,  I  thought  the 
scene  more  interesting  than  I  had  ever  expected  to  behold  in  this 
world.  Then,  in  one  of  the  inquiry  rooms,  the  multitudes  listen- 
ing with  such  eager  faces  to  learn  the  way  of  Christ,  and  the  gleam 
of  light  coming  over  their  countenances  as  they  apprehended  the 
way  of  faith  and  laid  hold  on  the  hope  set  before  them  in  the  Gos- 
pel was  inspiring ;  a  scene  never  to  be  forgotten. 


320  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

A  ticket  having  been  sent  to  me  as  a  worker,  I  have  gladly 
availed  myself  of  the  privilege  of  helping  some  precious  souls  to 
Jesus  at  every  meeting  I  have  attended,  and  hope  to  be  useful  while 
favored  with  working  in  this  great  harvest. 

During  this  winter  in  Philadelphia  Mrs.  James  was 
exceedingly  frail  and  suffered  much,  but  again  and  again 
found  rest  from  pain  as  well  as  great  spiritual  comfort 
through  prayer.  In  a  letter  written  in  February,  1877, 
she  thus  alludes  to  Psalm  ciii : 

Papa  and  I  repeated  that  precious  psalm  over  together  last  night 
before  prayer.  "When  repeating  the  words,  "  who  healeth  all  thy 
diseases,  who  crowneth  thee  with  loving-kindness  and  tender  mer- 
cies," my  heart  overflowed  and  I  could  scarcely  refrain  from  prais- 
ing God  aloud.  The  fifth  time  in  my  life  the  Almighty  Healer  has 
interposed  to  restore  this  feeble  body  when  prostrated  by  disease. 
After  months  of  suffering  I  was  instantly  healed  of  the  terrible  mal- 
ady which  had  caused  the  agonizing  pains  from  which  I  had  only 
brief  respite  during  all  that  time ;  never  entire  freedom  from  con- 
scious distress  for  more  than  a  few  hours  together.  A  week  ago  on 
Tuesday  I  had  the  most  severe  attack  of  all.  I  was  very  near  going 
into  spasms.  The  doctor  sent  papa  for  Dover's  powders.  When 
he  brought  them  I  felt  great  reluctance  to  take  one,  having  so 
great  an  aversion  to  anodynes.  Lifting  my  heart  to  God,  I  said  : 
"  Thou  canst  give  me  ease  and  I  will  trust  that  I  shall  be  relieved 
without  the  powders."  Then,  giving  myself  over  into  the  hands 
of  the  Great  Physician,  I  asked  him  to  give  me  ease,  and  I  was 
quickly  relieved.  Then  I  said:  "Thou  canst  just  as  easily  arrest 
the  disease  and  cure  me  as  to  give  present  relief.  Thou  hast  in 
years  past  healed  me  of  various  diseases,  now,  if  it  please  Thee, 
blessed  Savior,  remove  this  inflammation  and  prevent  a  return  of 
the  pain."  I  believed  it  would  be  done.  I  fell  into  a  quiet  slum- 
ber and  had  the  best  night  I  had  passed  for  weeks.  The  next 
morning  I  awoke  thanking  the  Lord  for  His  goodness. 

It  is  remarkable  that  the  next  day,  when  her  physicians 
came,  the  appearance  of  inflammation  was  gone.     She 


INDIAN  SUMMER.  321 

rapidly  regained  strength,  and  had  no  reason  to  doubt 
the  completeness  of  the  cure. 

In  January,  1878,  Mrs.  James  accepted  a  kind  invi- 
tation to  visit  Mrs.  Edward  Moore  of  Wilmington,  Del., 
with  whom  she  had  long  cherished  an  intimate  friend- 
ship, and  in  whose  hospitable  home  she  had  before  been 
delightfully  entertained.  All  her  life  long  this  simple- 
hearted  child  of  God  had  continually  sought  divine  guid- 
ance, but  now  that  she  was  not  hedged  about  by  control- 
ling circumstances,  and  decisions  as  to  the  best  course 
must,  in  many  cases,  be  made  independently  of  such  in- 
dications, she  was  more  careful  to  seek  and  more  reliant 
upon  the  leadings  of  the  Spirit.  Yery  soon  after  her  ar- 
rival in  Wilmington  at  this  time  she  began  to  see  special 
tokens  of  the  divine  guidance  and  favor.  She  met  a 
gentleman  whom  nine  years  before  she  and  her  associate 
in  toil  for  Jesus,  Mrs.  Annie  Wittenmyer,  had  found  at 
Ocean  Grove  in  despair,  and  whom  they  had  been  permit- 
ted to  show  the  way  of  deliverance.  This  young  man 
had  now  obtained  an  education  and  was  actively  engaged 
in  Christian  work.  Through  her  acquaintance  with  this 
gentleman  Mrs.  James  says : 

I  was  invited  to  be  present  at  the  Sabbath-school  and  to  ad- 
dress the  children.  Afterward  met  a  number  of  children  in  a 
class-room  and  several  gave  their  hearts  to  Christ.  In  the  evening, 
before  the  service  began,  the  pastor  came  to  me  and  asked  if  I 
would  address  the  congregation  at  the  close  of  Dr.  Matlack's 
sermon.  I  had  thought  for  some  time  that  I  had  not  physical 
strength  to  warrant  a  public  effort  of  that  kind,  and  so  expressed 
some  hesitancy,  but  he  said  :  "I  feel  very  desirous  for  you  to 
speak.  Your  address  to  the  Sunday-school  was  a  blessing  to  many, 
and  I  believe  you  will  do  great  good  by  speaking  this  evening."  I 
consented,  believing  it  to  be  a  call  from  God,  and  that  He  would 
give  the  message  and  strength  to  deliver  it.  When  the  presiding 
14* 


322  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

elder  closed  his  sermon  Brother  Hill  introduced  me,  and  I  spoke  to 
a  very  large  congregation.  Never  have  I  realized  more  fully  that 
the  God  in  whom  I  trust  "  giveth  power  to  the  faint,  and  to  him 
that  hath  no  might  increaseth  strength."  The  message  was  truly 
from  Him.  The  large  assembly  listened  with  fixed  attention,  and 
deep  feeling  was  manifested.  A  number  came  forward  for  prayer 
and  five  professed  conversion. 

She  whose  work  we  are  contemplating  was  too  truly 
taught  of  the  Spirit  to  be  governed  in  important  decisions 
by  mere  feeling.  Impulses  to  a  particular  course  or  to 
changes  in  her  plans  were  tested  by  God's  "Word  and 
providence,  and  were  only  obeyed  when  in  harmony 
with  Christian  common  sense  enlightened  by  the  Divine 
Spirit.  In  response  to  a  letter  from  her  son,  in  which 
he  spoke  of  a  new  field  of  labor  as  different  from  what 
he  had  expected,  yet  "  all  right,"  she  remarks : 

When  we  fully  commit  to  God  all  our  interests,  only  desiring  to 
do  His  will  and  glorify  His  name,  He  certainly  overrules  and  directs 
to  this  end,  and  we  may  rest  in  the  assurance  that  His  hand  dis- 
poses, whatever  be  the  doings  or  the  motives  of  those  who  may 
have  the  arrangement  of  our  affairs.  I  am  so  confident  that  this 
is  true  that  all  anxiety  is  excluded  both  in  reference  to  my  own 
personal  concerns  and  those  of  my  dearest  ones.  .  .  .  As  to 
myself,  I  am  learning  more  and  more  to  accept  everything  as  from 
the  hand  of  my  loving  Father,  looking  away  from  second  causes 
and  seeing  only  His  guiding  hand. 

She  then  mentions  a  recent  occurrence,  showing,  as  she 
believed,  the  special  leading  of  the  Holy  Spirit.  She 
was  journeying  toward  Philadelphia,  intending  to  return 
in  a  few  days  to  Bustleton,  Pa.,  the  home  of  relatives. 
Rather  suddenly  it  occurred  to  her  to  leave  the  train  at 
Holmesburg  Junction  and  go  at  once  to  Bustleton,  and 
after  the  thought  came  she  had  barely  time  to  have  the 


INDIAN  SUMMER.  323 

necessary  change  made  in  her  ticket  as  the  train  stopped. 
She  had  scarcely  arrived  when  her  cousin,  Miss  Martha 
H.  James,  proposed  for  the  next  day  a  trip  to  the  House 
of  Correction,  with  a  company  who  had  arranged  to  go. 
Of  this  Mrs.  James  writes  : 

Instantly  I  felt  the  warmest  response  in  my  heart,  and  replied, 
"Yes,  I  would  love  to  go."  So  I  went.  As  I  entered  the  in- 
closure  my  heart  was  sending  up  fervent  prayer  that  I  might  there 
win  some  souls  for  Jesus.  We  visited  several  departments  and  I 
talked  and  prayed  and  sang.  On  entering  the  men's  hospital  I  had 
most  peculiar  feelings,  and  such  intense  desire  for  the  salvation  of 
the  poor  sufferers  as  prompted  the  ardent  prayer,  "Oh,  give  me 
special  power  here,  dear  Savior  !  "  I  asked  for  strength  of  voice  to 
sing,  for  my  vocal  organs  seemed  very  weak,  and  I  wanted  to  sing 
Faber's  precious  hymn,  "There's  a  wideness  in  God's  mercy." 
The  strength  was  given,  marvelous  power  and  clearness  of  voice 
and  enunciation,  and  with  it  such  a  sense  of  the  divine  unction. 
After  I  had  sung  the  hymn  I  spoke  of  the  wonderful  compassion 
and  love  of  Jesus,  His  tender  pity  for  erring  and  suffering  humanity, 
His  readiness  to  save  all  who  will  come  to  Him,  and  the  certainty 
that  eVery  one  that  comes  penitently,  seeking  pardon,  will  receive 
it  and  be  saved.  I  was  conscious  that  God  was  speaking  through 
me  to  hearts  there.     Cousin  Martha  prayed  with  much  power  also. 

The  attending  physician,  a  man  advanced  in  years,  sat  near  me 
and  listened  most  attentively.  The  thought  came:  "  I  wonder  if 
he  is  a  Christian  ?  If  not,  O  send  Thy  Spirit  to  his  heart,  dear 
Lord,  and  bring  him  now  to  seek  Thee !  " 

All  seemed  attentive,  but  there  was  a  very  interesting  young  man 
to  whom  I  spoke  afterward  personally,  who  promised  me  to  give  his 
heart  to  Jesus.  He  was  to  be  discharged  the  next  day,  and  said  he 
should  go  directly  home  to  his  parents,  from  whom  he  had  run 
away.  They  were  good  people,  who  had  prayed  for  him  all  his 
life.  He  had  been  wayward  and  wild,  but  had  found  the  way  of 
the  transgressor  hard;  had  been  arrested  for  his  wickedness  and 
brought  there.  He  had  been  very  sick,  but  was  now  convalescent. 
He  was  a  fine,  noble-looking,  intelligent  young  man,  about  nine- 
teen.    O  how  my  heart  yearned  toward  him  with  fervent  desire 


324  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

that  he  might  be  saved,  and  I  felt  that  the  Spirit  of  God  had  indeed 
arrested  him.  I  conversed  with  others  personally,  some  of  whom 
seemed  to  feel  deeply. 

Nearly  two  weeks  had  passed  when  a  dear,  Christian  lady,  one 
of  the  committee  who  visit  the  House  of  Correction  every  week, 
called  to  see  me  in  Philadelphia,  and  said,  "Won't  you  go  with 
me  next  Wednesday  ? "  I  said  I  would  gladly  go  if  my  strength 
would  warrant  it,  but  I  am  very  feeble,  and  have  a  severe  cold  and 
cough.  Said  she,  "I  do  so  want  you  to  go,  for  you  don't  know 
how  God  blessed  your  labors  there  two  weeks  ago.  The  doctor 
who  was  present,  when  you  talked  in  the  men's  hospital,  was  awak- 
ened and  converted  through  the  blessed  message  which  God  gave 
you  for  those  men." 

I  visited  the  same  institution  last  Wednesday  and  special  strength 
was  again  given,  and  I  trust  I  shall  hereafter  know  of  results. 
Never  was  I  so  impressed  with  the  momentous  interests  of  souls 
as  there.     Most  of  them  never  heard  the  Gospel  except  while  there. 

The  results  of  these  two  visits,  including  the  conversion 
of  the  physician,  and  eternity  alone  can  reveal  what  other 
good,  hinged  upon  this  sudden  decision,  for  the  carrying 
out  of  her  previous  plans  would  have  interfered  with  her 
going  to  this  prison.  Many  instances  might  be  cited  in 
which  her  implicit  trust  was  honored  by  special  blessings. 

The  winter  of  1880-'81  was  a  memorable  one  in  the 
history  we  are  tracing.  Most  of  it,  as,  indeed,  of  nearly 
all  the  winters  after  her  housekeeping  was  broken  up, 
was  spent  by-  Mrs.  James  in  New  England  with  the 
family  of  her  son.  Nothing  but  her  conviction  that  the 
work  of  the  Master  demanded  her  presence  elsewhere 
reconciled  this  family  to  the  mother's  wanderings,  of 
which  mention  has  been  made.  Now  it  was  the  joy  of 
the  household  to  minister  to  the  dear  one  in  their  home 
at  Norwich,  Conn.  Her  health  was  more  than  usually 
feeble  during  the  early  part  of  the  winter.  There 
were  symptoms  of  serious  disease  of  the  heart.     A  judi- 


INDIAN  SUMMER.  325 

cious  physician  was  consulted,  but  held  out  little  hope 
that  the  patient  could  ever  be  free  from  this  affection, 
and  she  was  evidently  losing  strength. 

Just  at  this  time  Mrs.  James's  conscientiousness  in  re- 
gard to  the  use  of  intoxicating  drinks  was  illustrated. 
The  doctor  insisted  that  she  should  try  the  effects  of 
lager  beer.  She  demurred,  especially  because  of  the  em- 
barrassment to  her  son,  who  had  opposed  license  in  the 
place,  in  obtaining  such  a  remedy.  One  day  the  lady 
was  surprised  to  have  the  physician  himself  bring  a  bot- 
tle of  that  which  he  had  prescribed.  She,  however,  con- 
cluded that  it  was  not  best  for  her  to  resort  to  such 
means,  and  the  bottle  of  beer  was  put  out  of  sight.  One 
evening  the  family  and  some  guests  wrere  startled  by  the 
sound  of  an  explosion.  The  cork  of  the  bottle  and  the 
good  woman's  secret  had  escaped !  That  beer  was  not 
used  for  the  purpose  intended. 

More  and  more  unfavorable  were  the  symptoms  of 
the  invalid.  Her  husband  had  been  summoned  from 
New  York  in  anticipation  of  her  speedy  death,  when  a 
change  took  place  which  Mrs.  James  described  in  a  letter 
to  Dr.  W.  C.  Palmer,  then  editor  of  the  Guide  to  Holiness, 
and  which  appeared  in  that  magazine.     It  was  headed, 

A  New  Ehenezer. 

As  you  kindly  offer  to  assist  me  in  "adding  another  stone  to  the 
monument  already  reared  to  the  memory  of  God's  great  goodness," 
I  will  allude  to  my  experience  during  the  last  decade,  which,  added 
to  the  Fifty  Years',  will  make  Sixty  Years'  Walk  with  Jesus.  Hav- 
ing now  entered  upon  the  seventy-first  year  of  my  natural  life  and 
the  sixty-first  of  my  spiritual  life,  I  feel  like  raising  a  doxology  to 
the  glorious  triune  God.  I  think  my  experience  during  the  last  ten 
years  would,  if  recorded,  show  forth  the  praise  of  Him  who  hath 
led  me  quite  as  much  as  that  of  the  preceding  years. 

An  experience  ever  deepening  and  widening  has  led  me  to  dis- 


326  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

cern  more  clearly  the  devices  of  Satan,  my  own  weakness,  infirmi- 
ties, ignorance,  and  utter  nothingness,  and  the  infinite  perfections 
of  God,  His  power,  wisdom,  and  love;  so  that,  while  I  have  been 
humbled  in  the  dust  before  Him,  I  have  longed  more  than  ever  to 
exalt  Him  who  "is  made  of  God  unto  me  wisdom,  righteousness, 
sanctification,  and  redemption."  Hallelujah  to  the  Lamb!  "Oh, 
the  blood  1  the  precious  blood ! "  It  covers  my  whole  life  and 
hides  all  my  defects. 

And  now  it  is  my  privilege  to  record  for  God's  glory  another 
marvelous  cure.  I  have  been  wonderfully  healed  in  answer  to 
prayer. 

I  had  been  for  some  time  on  the  brink  of  the  river  which  divides 
the  heavenly  land  from  ours,  and  was  expecting  to  cross  over  very 
soon  and  enter  through  the  gates  into  the  glorious  city  of  God.  For 
several  years  a  heart  affection  had  been  indicated  by  unmistakable 
symptoms,  and  for  six  months  these  had  become  greatly  aggravated, 
so  that  my  case  was  pronounced  very  critical.  My  physician  pre- 
scribed tonics  to  keep  up  my  strength,  which  he  said  was  all  that 
could  be  done,  and  although  the  tonics  were  taken  three  times  every 
day  for  months,  I  was  constantly  growing  weaker.  During  the  last 
month  my  decline  was  rapid,  which  the  doctor  admitted,  and  said 
I  was  liable  to  die  at  any  time. 

Fainting  or  sinking  spells  were  very  frequent,  and  other  alarming 
symptoms,  and  I  felt  that  I  was  certainly  failing  fast,  but  felt  no  so- 
licitude whatever.  I  thought  of  going  home  with  unutterable  de- 
light, supposing  it  was  God's  will  I  should  go,  yet  thinking  it  might 
be  otherwise.  It  seemed  to  me  my  work  was  not  done,  and  the 
thought  sometimes  came,  if  the  Lord  desires  me  to  do  any  more 
work  for  Him,  He  can  cure  heart  disease  as  well  as  any  other.  There 
are  no  limits  to  His  power,  and  my  life  will  be  prolonged  if  He 
please.  I  only  desire  His  will  to  be  done  and  His  name  glorified. 
Some  of  my  Christian  friends,  I  have  learned,  were  making  my  case 
a  subject  of  special  prayer  for  weeks  previous  to  my  recovery. 

January  26th  I  realized  more  than  ever  that  my  stay  on  earth 
must  be  very  short  unless  Almighty  power  should  interpose,  and  so 
thought  all  who  knew  my  condition.  It  was  a  memorable  day  to 
me,  on  account  of  my  vivid  sense  of  the  presence  of  Jesus  and  the 
nearness  of  the  heavenly  world.  The  river  of  death  (as  said  the 
sainted  Payson)  had  indeed  dwindled  into  an  insignificant  rill  which 


INDIAN  SUMMER.  327 

might  be  crossed  at  a  single  step,  and  I  was  on  the  very  margin.  I 
thought  of  the  dying  words  of  Bishop  Haven:  "  There  is  no  river 
here  !  There  is  no  death  !  "  It  was  just  to  step  into  life ;  and  the  out- 
beaming  glory  appeared  to  shed  its  rays  upon  my  soul  and  made 
me  exultingly  happy. 

That  night  was  one  of  exceeding  blessedness.  I  was  in  the 
closest,  sweetest  converse  with  my  precious  Savior,  whose  arms 
inclosed  me.  He  showed  me  His  marvelous  mercy  and  love,  in 
all  His  leadings  through  my  past  life,  making  "all  His  goodness 
to  pass  before  me,"  till  I  was  overpowered  with  the  revelation, 
and  while  tears  of  grateful  joy  flowed  freely,  I  was  adoring  and 
praising  His  precious  name.  I  was  permitted  to  talk  to  Him 
just  as  really  as  if  He  had  been  visibly  present  in  person.  I  told 
Him  how  I  had  loved  Him,  how  sweet  I  had  felt  the  privilege  of 
working  for  Him,  but  was  sorry  I  had  not  done  more  and  would  be 
glad  if  I  might  be  permitted  to  do  something  yet  on  earth  for  His 
glory.  And  oh,  what  a  sense  of  my  unworthiness  I  felt!  how  like 
a  little  worm  of  the  dust!  Aud  how  amazing  was  His  condescen- 
sion in  bestowing  upon  me  the  riches  of  His  grace  and  making  me 
an  heir  of  His  kingdom!  He  had  "washed  me  from  my  sins  in  His 
own  blood,"  and  clothed  me  with  His  own  robe  of  righteousness, 
and  taken  me  into  union  with  Himself,  indissoluble,  eternal !  Oh, 
it  was  more  than  my  mind  could  conceive  to  be  possible,  yet  it  was 
a  glorious  reality!  I  think  that  was  "an  earnest  of  my  inherit- 
ance" above  that  I  received  on  that  memorable  night. 

When  the  morning  dawned  I  was  quite  surprised  to  find  myself 
still  an  inhabitant  of  this  world.  I  arose  and  dressed,  feeling  that 
I  had  new  strength.  All  who  saw  me  noticed  a  change.  All  day 
I  was  free  from  the  debility  I  had  felt  previously,  and  had  no  faint- 
ness.  The  next  day  I  had  still  more  strength,  and  from  that  time 
to  the  present  I  have  been  well!  Nearly  four  weeks  have  passed, 
and  no  recurrence  of  those  symptoms  which  betokened  the  approach 
of  death,  and  I  am  apparently  in  a  better  condition  of  health  than  for 
years  past.  I  certainly  consider  myself  a  monument  of  the  healing 
power  of  God,  and  with  all  my  heart  ascribe  the  glory  to  His  name. 

My  cure  is  most  remarkable,  for  several  reasons.  First,  the  nat- 
ure of  the  disease — heart  affection.  Second,  the  long  period  of  de- 
bility which  preceded  the  cure.  Third,  my  advanced  age.  Fourth, 
the  absence  of  any  special  faith  for  healing  on  my  part.     Some  sci- 


328  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

entists  claim  that  all  such  cases  are  the  result  of  the  influence  of 
imagination  upon  the  nervous  system.  There  certainly  could  have 
been  nothing  of  the  kind  in  this  case. 

Now  I  am  praying  that  every  hour  of  my  added  life  may  show 
forth  His  praise  who  has  signally  blessed  me  through  all  my  sev- 
enty years'  pilgrimage,  and  that  my  last  days  may  glorify  Him 
more  than  all  my  past  years. 

Truth  to  history  requires  that  it  be  said  that  in  this 
case  the  cure  was  not  permanent.  The  distressing  spells 
of  sinking  which  had  caused  so  much  suffering  to  Mrs. 
James  and  anxiety  to  her  kindred  were  not  experienced 
until  the  next  summer.  Then,  undue  haste  in  trying  to 
overtake  a  street-car  in  New  York  caused  a  return  of 
these  symptoms.  A  few  weeks  after  this,  in  a  letter  to 
her  husband,  then  in  England,  she  writes : 

I  am  feeling  feeble  to-day.  Have  sinking-spells  occasionally 
which  indicate  a  return  of  heart  affection,  and  I  may  one  of  these 
days  be  called  home  suddenly.  I  think  the  purpose  for  which  God 
raised  me  up  last  winter  may  have  been  accomplished  here  at 
Ocean  Grove  this  summer.  Precious  souls  have  come  to  Jesus  and 
been  saved  through  my  instrumentality.  .  .  .  Perhaps  my  work 
is  nearly  accomplished.  May  His  will  be  done  and  His  blessed  name 
be  glorified,  whether  it  be  by  my  protracted  life  or  speedy  departure 
to  the  better  land. 

That  there  was  little,  if  any,  radical  change  in  the  con- 
dition of  the  heart  is  shown  by  this  statement,  and  by  the 
fact  that,  according  to  the  diagnosis  of  her  physician,  the 
death  of  Mrs.  James  two  years  later  was  caused  by  the 
same  affection. 

The  writer  of  these  pages  has  no  theory  in  regard  to 
faith  healing  to  advocate,  and  simply  makes  this  record 
as  a  matter  of  fact.  When  physiology  or  psychology 
shall  reveal  the  dividing-line  between  body  and  spirit,  or 


INDIAN  SUMMER.  329 

even  that  between  the  inworking  divine  and  the  co-oper- 
ating human  energy,  it  may  be  possible  to  find  how  much 
of  a  cure  results  from  the  use  of  remedies,  how  much  from 
atmospheric  or  other  external  influences,  what  is  due  to 
the  human  will  or  imagination,  or  nature's  recuperative 
power,  and  how  much  comes  directly  by  the  divine 
interposition. 

Not  long  after  the  sudden  recovery  described  above 
Bishop  Jesse  T.  Peck,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
being  in  Norwich,  took  the  opportunity  to  renew  an 
acquaintance  of  former  years  with  the  subject  of  this 
memoir,  by  calling  upon  her  at  the  house  of  her  son.  In 
the  course  of  the  conversation  at  that  time  the  venerable 
man  remarked  in  substance :  "  When  I  want  something: 
done  that  I  can't  do  for  myself,  and  I  ask  God  to  do  it 
for  me,  and  it's  done,  I  call  that  an  answer  to  prayer,  and 
I  think  I  ought  to  give  thanks  to  God." 

Here  all  believers  in  divine  Grace  and  Providence  can 
unite.  Certainly,  one  to  whom  the  inspired  declaration 
"  in  Him  [God]  we  live  and  move  and  have  our  being  " 
is  so  real  as  for  sixty  years  it  was  to  Mrs.  James,  will 
have  no  difficulty  in  committing  all  questions  of  health, 
as  every  other  interest,  to  God  in  believing  prayer.  Nor 
will  such  an  one  fail  to  acknowledge  that  "  Every  good 
and  perfect  gift " — healthful  breezes,  the  helpful  medi- 
cine, the  influence  of  the  imagination,  the  power  of  the 
will,  the  restorative  energy  of  nature, — cometh  "  from 
the  Father  of  Lights  "  as  truly  as  healing  directly  trace- 
able to  the  divine  Hand. 

To  her  latest  hour  Mrs.  James  was  accustomed  to  use 
medicines  and  other  remedial  agents  when  they  seemed 
to  be  providentially  indicated  as  likely  to  be  helpful.  On 
the  other  hand,  perhaps  a  hundred  times  she  asked  and 


330  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

obtained  relief  from  suffering  without  the  use  of  such 
means,  when  they  were  not  within  reach.  Especially  was 
this  true  of  attacks  which  came  upon  her  in  the  night- 
time, or  when  to  obtain  medicines  would  involve  incon- 
venience to  others.  Unwillingness  to  call  upon  friends 
for  services  not  absolutely  necessary  was  a  marked  feat- 
ure of  her  character.  Indeed,  her  shrinking  from  becom- 
ing burdensome  more  than  any  other  feeling  prompted 
her  oft -repeated  prayer  that  she  might  be  spared  a  long 
sickness — a  prayer  which  was  signally  answered. 

No  sojourn  of  the  mother  with  the  family  of  her  son 
is  recalled  by  its  members  with  more  interest  than  that 
now  passing  under  review.  During  the  early  part  of  the 
winter  the  dear  one  was  so  prostrated  that  she  was  an 
object  of  constant  solicitude.  The  attacks  of  faintness 
would  come  upon  her  suddenly,  and  she  would  be  com- 
pelled to  take  a  sitting  or  reclining  posture  instantly. 
These  occurred  several  times  a  day  for  weeks,  yet,  strange 
to  say,  in  the  good  providence  of  God,  she  never  fell  or 
received  injury  from  this  cause.  She  was  not  able  to  at- 
tend many  religious  meetings,  but  would  occasionally  call 
upon  the  invalids  and  elderly  people  of  her  son's  parish, 
always  bearing  to  their  homes  God's  sunshine.  Most  of 
her  time  was  passed  in  a  delightful  room  with  southerly 
windows.  She  was  occupied  as  far  as  her  strength  per- 
mitted in  writing  The  Soul  Winner.  Almost  daily  she 
would  find  some  need  for  consultation  with  her  son  in 
regard  to  this  work,  and  many  were  the  blessed  hours 
of  communion  in  that  almost  sacred  room.  From  it 
was  written  the  letter  to  the  Eev.  E.  H.  Stokes,  D.D., 
from  which  quotations  are  made  in  his  address  at  her 
funeral,  which  will  be  found  in  the  last  chapter  of  this 
book. 


INDIAN  SUMMER.  331 

There  was  a  mellowing  and  thorough  ripening  of  the 
Christian  graces  which  made  the  character  we  are  con- 
templating more  than  ever  saintly,  and  which  was  espe- 
cially noticeable  at  the  time  just  alluded  to,  and  during 
the  succeeding  months  of  her  earthly  career.  Gentle  and 
lovable  as  she  had  always  been,  there  seemed  an  almost 
heavenly  atmosphere  about  her  exceeding  anything  that 
had  been  observed  before.  Not  only  was  her  walk  with 
God  increasingly  intimate,  but  her  whole  spirit  seemed 
to  receive  a  finishing-touch  which  caused  it  more  fully 
than  ever  to  bear  the  image  of  the  Heavenly. 

After  the  wonderful  change  in  her  physical  condition, 
described  above,  letters  went  to  several  of  her  special 
friends,  filled  with  thanksgiving  to  her  Mighty  Healer. 
In  one  to  her  friend,  Mrs.  Morton,  of  Eed  Bank,  N.  J., 
she  speaks  of  being  "  ready  to  die,  yet  glad  to  live  and 
labor."  Some  months  later  she  writes  to  Miss  Emily 
Bates,  of  Wilmington,  Del.,  of  that  winter  as  "  one  of 
the  happiest  of  her  life."  By  her  kindred,  and  those 
with  whom  she  mingled  in  such  delightful  Christian  in- 
tercourse in  Norwich,  and  the  many  who  have  read  with 
profit  the  life-story  of  her  brother,  it  will  be  regarded  as 
one  of  the  most  fruitful. 

The  following  poem  by  Mrs.  James  was  published  in 
the  Christian  Advocate  of  January  20,  1881.  Years 
before,  the  writer  had  heard  of  a  lady  who  expressed  to 
the  late  Bishop  Janes  her  sorrow  at  the  apparent  lack  of 
success  attending  her  efforts  for  souls.  The  good  bishop 
replied :  "  Sister,  you  forget  the  doubtless.  '  He  that 
goeth  forth  and  weepeth,  bearing  precious  seed,  shall 
doubtless  come  again  with  rejoicing,  bringing  his  sheaves 
with  him.'  There  can"  be  no  doubt  about  it."  The 
worker  took  fresh  heart  and  soon  saw  fruit  of  her  efforts. 


332  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

Mrs.  James  often  quoted  the  bishop's  words,  and  they 
probably  suggested  this  poetic  setting  of  the  inspired 
and  inspiring  truth : 

Doubtless. 

Go  forth,  thou  weeping  sower, 

Sow  precious  seed  each  day, 
Fear  not,  nor  be  discouraged, 

Still  work  and  trust  and  pray. 
Though  signs  of  coining  harvest 

Seem  long  to  be  delayed, 
Remember  the  word  "  doubtless," 

And  never  be  dismayed. 

Think'st  thou  the  ground  so  stony 

The  germ  will  surely  die  ? 
Thou  knowest  not  how  'tis  cherished 

By  Him  who  dwells  on  high. . 
Some  little  seed  thou  droppest 

Will  find  a  genial  soil, 
Some  germs  will  "  doubtless"  flourish 

To  crown  thy  faithful  toil. 

Toil  on,  then,  Christian  worker, 

For  ''doubtless"  is  the  word, 
The  glorious  word  of  promise, 

From  thy  unchanging  Lord  ! 
Yes,  "  doubtless  ! "  blest  assurance  ! 

"  Thy  labor's  not  in  vain," 
Thou'lt  "come  again  rejoicing," 

With  "sheaves"  of  ripened  grain. 

The  early  summer  found  Mrs.  James  once  more  at 
Ocean  Grove,  ready  for  the  work  of  the  season,  into 
which  she  entered  with  unabated  zeal.  In  August  she 
and  her  son  were  summoned  to  New  York  to  witness  the 
departure  of  Mr.  James,  the  husband  and  father,  for 
England.     He  had  conceived  the  idea  that  his  improve- 


INDIAN  SUMMER.  333 

ments  in  time-keepers  would  be  more  highly  appreciated 
by  watch  manufacturers  in  England,  and  made  the  jour- 
ney with  the  hope  of  securing  there  what  he  had  failed 
to  do  in  America.  It  was  a  severe  trial  to  the  wife,  but 
was  accepted  in  the  spirit,  so  constantly  manifested,  of 
acquiescence  in  the  arrangements  of  Divine  Providence. 
After  this  midsummer  visit  to  New  York,  as  above 
stated,  symptoms  of  the  old  trouble  with  the  heart  again 
appeared.     In  September  she  writes  to  her  husband  : 

I  have  not  had  strength  to  do  much  in  meetings,  but  the  Lord 
Jesus  has  sent  many  hungry  souls  to  me  to  be  fed,  and  helped  me 
to  give  them  gospel  food. 

The  necessity  for  some  work  upon  her  cottages  at 
Ocean  Grove  caused  Mrs.  James  to  remain  there  during 
the  autumn  and  a  large  part  of  the  winter  of  1881.  In 
January,  1882,  she  was  once  more  in  Wilmington,  Del., 
enjoying  the  society  of  friends,  and  busy  in  efforts  for  the 
salvation  of  the  souls,  especially  of  the  young.  She 
writes  of  an  invitation  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Richards  to 
address  the  young  people  of  his  church,  and  remarks  : 

I  did  not  feel  at  liberty  to  refuse,  and  am  feeling  so  well.  It  is 
such  a  privilege  to  do  what  I  can  for  Jesus,  and  I  do  not  believe 
my  life  will  be  abridged  one  day  by  my  labors  for  Him.  I  am 
amazed  at  the  interest  manifested  in  my  efforts  here,  and  the 
results.  Never  more  evident  aid  from  God.  Blessed  be  His 
name! 

In  February  she  returned  to  New  York,  whence  she 
wrote,  March  2,  of  the  exhaustion  which  might  have 
been  expected  to  follow  such  labors,  and  of  chills  and 
other  unpleasant  symptoms,  but  adds  : 

I  have  seen  very  clearly  God's  hand  in  all  my  leadings,  and  my 
heart  is  praising  Him  all  the  time  for  His  wonderful  love  and 


334:  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

tender  care.  I  think  I  never  have  been  able  to  do  so  much  for 
Jesus  in  the  same  length  of  time  as  in  the  last  six  months.  Hands 
and  feet,  tongue  and  brain  and  soul,  all  employed  in  His  blessed 
service  constantly  in  all  my  waking  hours.  My  pen  has  been  more 
busy  than  ever.  My  mind  seems  remarkably  clear  and  my  thoughts 
seem  so  easily  conveyed,  both  by  tongue  and  pen.  In  composing  I 
find  wonderful  freedom  and  am  helped  from  above.  ...  On 
New  Year's  morning,  as  I  awoke,  it  was  said  to  me:  "  Ask  what 
thou  wilt."  I  replied:  "That  I  may  glorify  Thee,  O  my  precious 
Savior,  more  than  in  any  year  before.  Let  me  do  more  and  bring 
more  glory  to  Thy  blessed  name." 

During  this  winter  Mrs.  James  wrote  to  Miss  Elizabeth 
Nicholson,  a  member  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  but  not 
on  that  account  less  dear  to  the  heart  in  such  fellowship 
with  Jesus  that  all  His  chosen  ones  were  beloved  in  Himy 
on  the  "blessed  life  of  entire  consecration  to  God." 

More  and  more  I  am  impressed  with  the  immense  importance  of 
urging  this  upon  Christians  as  their  high  calling  in  Christ  Jesus 
and  as  a  qualification  for  usefulness  in  the  world.  The  infinite 
advantages  in  both  worlds  should  be  presented  to  believers  in 
Jesus  with  unremitting  earnestness  and  diligence.  How  great 
beyond  all  estimate  is  their  loss  who  fail  to  come  up  to  the  divine 
requirement  so  clearly  set  forth  in  the  precious  Word.  In  my  own 
daily  experience  of  this  great  salvation  I  am  proving  more  and 
more  its  richness,  its  sweetness,  and  its  fullness  of  blessing.  How 
it  elevates  the  spirit  above  all  earthly,  sordid  things !  How  it 
brings  eternal  realities  before  the  mind  and  makes  the  presence  of 
the  Invisible  a  vivid  realization  !  How  it  clears  the  spiritual  vision 
and  disperses  the  mists  of  worldliness  and  the  clouds  of  doubt  and 
fear,  and  opens  to  the  soul  the  infinite  resources  of  divine  love  by 
which  we  "rejoice  with  joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory!  " 

After  a  trip  to  Ocean  Grove  in  May,  1882,  made 
necessary  by  business  requiring  her  attention,  Mrs. 
James  was  once  more  welcomed  to  the  home  of  her 
son,  at  that  time  in  Danielsonville,  Conn.     In  August 


INDIAN  SUMMER.  335 

the  lady  wrote  to  the  friend  of  so  many  years,  Rev. 
George  Hughes,  editor  of  the  Guide  to  Holiness  : 

Another  milestone  of  my  life  journey  reminds  me  that  I  have 
come  nearly  to  its  end,  for  with  my  frail  condition  of  health  I  can- 
not expect  to  add  even  another  year.  Yet  if  He  whom  I  serve  has 
anything  more  for  me  to  do  while  in  "this  tottering  house  of 
clay,"  He  can  "prop  "  it  up  and  make  it  last  a  little  longer.  I  am 
finding  it  very  delightful  to  have  the  sanctuary  so  near  [the  par- 
sonage adjoined  the  church]  that  I  can  enjoy  its  hallowed  privileges 
without  the  fatigue  of  walking  any  distance.  I  see  the  hand  of  my 
loving  Father  very  clearly  in  my  being  here  in  the  home  of  my 
dear  son  this  summer,  instead  of  at  Ocean  Grove,  because  of  my 
feeble  condition.  I  was  not  able  to  endure  the  excitement  and 
fatigue  inseparable  from  its  hallowed  enjoyments.  But  how 
strange  it  seems  that  I  am  not  there. 

It  matters  little,  however,  where  we  are  if  the  blessed 
Comforter  is  with  us,  and  His  presence  is  ever  with  me. 
Companionship  with  Jesus  never  was  a  more  vivid  real- 
ization than  now.     Hallelujah  to  the  Lamb ! 

This  letter  accompanied  a  poem  of  which  its  writer 
speaks  as  "  A  Birthday  Tribute  "  for  her  entrance  upon 
her  seventy-third  year.  It  appeared  in  the  Guide  of 
October,  1882 : 

In  Sight  of  Home. 

"  At  evening- time  it  shall  be  light." 

At  evening-time  I  find  it  light ; 

Each  passing  hour  it  grows  more  bright ; 

For  heaven's  own  beams  shine  on  my  way 

As  on  I  travel  day  by  day ; 

And  nearing  now  the  end,  I  see 

The  glorious  home  prepared  for  me. 

I've  journeyed  twelve  and  threescore  years 
In  what  is  called  "  a  vale  of  tears  ; " 


336  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

But  all  along  the  thorny  road 

I've  found  fulfilled  the  precious  Word, 

"  My  grace  sufficient  is  for  thee," 

And  "  as  thy  days  thy  strength  shall  be." 

When  all  too  rugged  seemed  the  way, 
I  heard  my  loving  Father  say, 
"  I'll  take  thee  up  and  bear  thee  o'er 
This  weary  path  to  yonder  shore." 
Then,  safe  within  His  sheltering  arms 
I  felt  no  dread  of  earthly  harms. 

"  Down  to  old  age  "  He's  carried  me  ; 
His  wondrous  love  and  grace  I  see 
Through  all  the  way  in  which  I've  come, 
Thus  far,  toward  my  heavenly  home  ;      f 
And  all  His  promises  are  sure 
To  those  who  to  the  end  endure. 

Now  to  my  covenant-keeping  God 
I  give  all  praise  :  His  precious  Word 
Has  been  fulfilled  :  each  day  and  hour 
I've  proved  His  love  and  saving  power  ; 
Now,  nearing  the  celestial  shore, 
My  pilgrimage  will  soon  be  o'er. 

O  glory  to  my  Savior's  name  ! 
'Twas  through  His  blood  I  overcame, 
In  all  my  conflicts,  through  His  power 
I've  triumphed  in  the  darkest  hour  ; 
And  on  the  everlasting  shore 
I'll  sing  His  praise  forevermore. 

The  excessive  weariness  and  other  unfavorable  symp- 
toms disappeared  at  length,  almost  as  suddenly  as  did 
those  from  which  Mrs.  James  suffered  in  Norwich.  This 
time  the  cure  could  be  traced  to  the  coming  of  cool 
weather.  Not  the  less  fervent  was  the  thanksgiving  to 
God. 

During  the  summer  Mr.  Henry  B.  James  returned 
from  his  trip  to  England.     Husband  and  wife  remained 


INDIAN  SUMMER.  337 

with  their  children  a  few  weeks  and  then  went  together 
to  New  York. 

To  some  members  of  that  household  the  parting  with 
the  beloved  one  that  September  night  was  the  final  one 
for  earth.     With  all,  the  memory  of  that  last  visit  is 
fragrant  as  with  the  perfume  of  heaven. 
15 


CHAPTEK  II. 

THE    LAST    YEAR. 

After  leaving  Connecticut,  Mrs.  James  spent  some 
weeks  in  New  York.  One  enterprise  in  which  she  was 
at  this  time  specially  interested  was  the  Sunday-school 
for  Chinese,  connected  with  the  Trinity  Baptist  Church 
in  that  city.  An  article  from  her  pen,  in  regard  to  this 
work  among  the  Chinese,  appeared  in  the  National  Bap- 
tist for  November  9,  1882.  The  school  was  originated 
by  Mrs.  Carto,  the  widow  of  a  Baptist  clergyman,  who 
had,  with  her  husband,  labored  among  the  Chinese  in 
California.  As  little  is  known  of  this  humble  but  useful 
work  outside  of  New  York,  and  in  this  country  "  John 
Chinaman  "  is  receiving  so  much  attention  of  entirely  a 
different  sort,  it  may  be  worth  while  to  give  some  brief 
extracts  from  this  article  : 

I  found  thirty  Chinamen,  each  with  a  teacher  by  his  side,  with 
patient,  cheerful  effort  engaged  in  teaching  him  to  read  the  sacred 
pages  and  explaining  to  him  their  hallowed  truths.  It  was  deeply 
touching  to  see  the  eagerness  and  absorbing  interest  of  the  learners, 
and  the  joy  that  brightened  their  faces  as  the  light  of  the  blessed 
Gospel  of  the  Son  of  God  dawned  upon  their  benighted  minds. 
Yielding  their  hearts  to  the  claims  of  their  Redeemer,  many  have 
entered  into  "the  glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God." 
Eleven  are  baptized  members  of  Trinity  Baptist  Church. 

It  was  thrilling  to  hear  them  singing  "What  a  Friend  we  have 
in  Jesus  "  and  to  know  they  realize  His  love  who  is  the  Friend  of 
sinners.     In  a  service  at  the  close  of  the  session  they  joined  in 


TEE  LAST  YEAR.  339 

choosing  and  singing  "Gospel  Songs"  with  evident  zest,  both 
words  and  tunes  seeming  quite  familiar  to  them.  At  6  p.m.  they 
surrounded  a  table  provided  with  a  bountiful  supper.  In  this 
generous  kindness  there  is  a  twofold  object;  to  show  the  good- 
will and  interest  of  the  teachers  and  also  to  induce  the  pupils  to 
remain  to  the  evening  service.  This  repast  links  them  all  together 
as  one  family,  and  they  greatly  appreciate  the  favor  shown  them. 
Doubtless  the  kindness  of  their  teachers  contributes  much  to  secure 
attendance  till  interest  is  awakened. 

After  supper  there  was  another  service,  conducted  by  themselves, 
partly  in  Chinese  and  partly  in  English.  Several  of  the  converts 
read  portions  of  Scripture,  expounding  them  to  their  countrymen. 
Christ's  Sermon  on  the  Mount,  Matt,  v.,  formed,  the  basis  of  the 
first  address  in  Chinese.  The  expressive  countenance  and  gestures 
of  the  speaker  showed  that  his  soul  was  in  every  utterance,  and 
the  fixed  attention  and  seriousness  of  his  audience  evinced  their 
heartfelt  interest. 

After  several  had  taken  part  in  this  way,  invitation  was  given  for 
the  relation  of  Christian  experience.  Then  followed  testimonies; 
some  in  broken  English,  others  in  their  own  language,  telling  the 
story  of  their  salvation,  and  their  gratitude  and  joy  for  the  new 
life  upon  which  they  had  entered. 

Statements  made  by  those  who  teach  the  Chinese  show  that 
these  down-trodden  people  possess  excellent  traits,  in  some  of 
which  our  own  people  are  deficient,  namely:  high  appreciation  of 
favors;  warmest  gratitude ;  affectionate  attachment  to  their  teacher 
and  friends;  great  veneration  for  the  aged;  tender  respect  and  love 
for  their  parents ;  marked  generosity  and  kindness ;  docility  and 
gentleness;  and  meekness  and  forbearance  when  ill-treated  and 
abused. 

As  Christians  they  are  models  of  consistency,  watching  over 
each  other,  marking  the  least  delinquency  or  impropriety  of  an 
erring  brother,  and  faithfully  and  boldly  telling  him  he  "Must 
stop  that — that  not  good !  You  Christian  now ;  you  must  not  do 
so ;  "  and  the  reproof  is  kindly  received. 

No  wonder  that  this  enthusiastic  lover  of  Jesus  and 
souls  was  interested  in  efforts  in  behalf  of  this  people,  so 


340  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

strangely  treated  in  this  land.  The  article  closes  with 
some  statements  that  are  in  contrast  with  common  no- 
tions, and  a  question  worth  pondering  by  Christian 
Americans. 

Cleanliness  and  neatness  also  distinguish  these  people  when 
converted.  In  their  person  and  apartments  they  are  neat,  also  in 
apparel  and  way  of  living.  All  these  admirable  characteristics 
belong  to  the  better  class  of  Chinese ;  and  these  are  the  people  who, 
by  an  act  of  our  government,  are  excluded  from  our  shores !  What 
a  foul  blot  upon  our  nation !  Will  not  God  have  a  controversy 
with  us  for  this  ? 

The  stay  of  Mrs.  James  in  New  York  was  not  long, 
as  business  called  her  to  Ocean  Grove.  Thence  she 
wrote  to  her  son  of  "  surprising  ability  to  walk,  and 
powers  of  endurance."  In  November,  it  was  her  joy  to 
attend  the  meeting  of  the  Executive  Committee  of  the 
Woman's  Foreign  Missionary  Society  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  in  Philadelphia.  The  holiday  season 
found  her  with  relatives  in  Trenton,  N.  J. 

Christmas  was  always  a  time  of  peculiar  interest  in  the 
home  of  Mrs.  James.  When  her  children  were  young 
the  season  was  always  made  to  them  bright  and  happy, 
that,  through  tokens  of  love,  their  minds  and  hearts 
might  be  lifted  toward  Him  whose  birth  is  then  cele- 
brated. As  years  passed  on  some  love-token  for  every 
member  of  her  family  marked  each  joyous  time. 

On  the  morning  of  Christmas,  1882,  as  the  guest  en- 
tered the  breakfast-room  of  the  family  of  her  brother-in- 
law,  she  handed  to  each  of  the  circle  a  copy,  in  her  own 
handwriting,  with  her  signature,  of  the  following  little 
poem,  at  the  same  time  expressing  her  sorrow  that  she 
could  not  bestow  a  more  valuable  gift : 


THE  LAST  YEAR.  341 

Christmas. 

Christmas  greetings,  sweet  and  tender, 

Fall  upon  our  ears  to-day. 
"  Merry  Christmas  !  "  "  Happy  Christmas  ! " 

Loving  ones  delight  to  say. 

Christmas  gifts  and  kindly  missives, 
Beauteous  cards,  with  words  so  sweet — 

Sacred  day,  so  dear,  so  cherished, 
When  the  loved  and  loving  meet. 

Christmas  Day,  we  bid  thee  welcome  ! 

Precious  mem'ries  thou  dost  bring ; 
Thoughts  of  Him,  God's  gift,  so  priceless, 

Jesus  Christ,  our  glorious  King. 

Sweetest,  in  this  day  of  gladness, 

Is  the  thought  of  Him  whose  love 
Brought  Him  down  to  live  in  sorrow 

Here,  that  we  might  live  above. 

There,  in  blessed,  sweet  reunion, 

When  this  fleeting  life  is  o'er, 
May  we  meet  in  heaven's  communion 

All  our  loved  ones  gone  before. 

A  New  Year's  letter  to  her  "very  dear  friend,"  Mrs. 
Dr.  Gause  of  Philadelphia,  thus  expresses  the  feelings  of 
Mrs.  James  at  the  threshold  of  the  year  18 S3  : 

I  think,  of  all  my  seventy-two  years,  this  has  been  the  happiest. 
Truly,  my  path  is  growing  brighter  as  I  go  onward  to  my  heavenly 
home.     At  the  close  of  each  day  I  can  say  : 

"  One  more  day's  work  for  Jesus, 
One  less  of  life  for  me." 

My  heart  exults  in  grateful  praise  to  Him  who  in  life's  early 
morning  led  me  to  devote  my  whole  being  to  Him.     It  has  been 


342  TEE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

such  a  delightful  service !  Could  I  live  a  thousand  years  longer 
on  earth  I  would  so  gladly  devote  all  my  powers  to  the  same  hal- 
lowed service  that  has  engaged  my  life  for  nearly  sixty-two  years. 
I  have  found  it  so  sweet  to  live  and  work  for  Jesus.  Tell  this  to 
your  dear  class  of  young  people  as  my  testimony,  that  it  pays 
well  to  serve  God.  What  a  mistake  young  people  make  in 
thinking  they  must  go  to  the  world  for  pleasure  and  seek  in  its 
vain  amusements  and  follies  for  happiness.  You  and  1  know  from 
our  own  experience  that  in  spiritual  things,  in  the  work  that  Jesus 
has  given  us  to  do  and  in  the  approving  smiles  of  our  God,  there  is 
solid,  pure,  and  perpetual  enjoyment. 

How  I  do  long  to  see  our  young  Christians  wholly  consecrated  to 
God !  Dear  sister,  you  may  have  many  years  yet  to  live.  Let  it  be 
your  constant  effort  to  influence  the  young  to  devote  themselves 
without  reserve  to  God.  .  .  .  When,  at  the  missionary  meet- 
ings, prayer  was  asked  that  God  would  send  more  young  ladies  for 
foreign  work,  I  felt  like  saying,  "  In  order  to  this,  let  us  older  Chris- 
tians try  more  earnestly  to  influence  our  young  ladies  to  be  all  con- 
secrated. Then  they  will  be  ready  to  enter  upon  missionary  fields 
or  any  other  work  for  Christ." 

It  has  been  my  constant  effort  all  these  years  to  bring  others  to 
entire  consecration  to  His  blessed  service  to  whom  I  have  delighted 
to  give  my  heart,  my  life,  my  all.  O  how  this  great  matter  of 
entire  devotion  to  God  looms  up  before  me  now  as  I  am  nearing 
the  end  of  my  life's  journey  !  .  .  .  Every  consecrated  one  may 
influence  others  to  a  life  of  devotion.  And  each  one  thus  brought 
nearer  to  Christ  may  bring  more,  and  thus,  as  the  number  multi- 
plies through  the  years,  what  results  of  incalculable  good !  It  is 
beyond  the  computation  of  our  finite  powers,  and  will  task  our 
immortal  capacities  through  all  eternity  to  make  the  grand  esti- 
mate. In  view  of  all  this  can  we  be  too  earnest,  too  self-sacrific- 
ing, or  too  persistent  in  our  efforts  to  bring  souls  to  Jesus  and  to 
build  up  and  strengthen  Christians  in  a  life  of  holiness  ? 

During  the  month  of  January  Mrs.  James  once  more 
found  her  way  to  the  home  of  her  friends  at  Bloomfield, 
N.  J.  How  she  was  employed  may  be  gathered  from 
the  following  letter  of  the  Eev.  D.  R  Lowrie,  then  pas- 


TEE  LAST  TEAR.  343 

tor  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  there,  dated  De- 
cember 17,  1884: 

"The  memory  of  your  precious  mother  is  very  dear  to  me  and  my 
church.  The  first  time  she  assisted  us  here  was  on  Sunday,  January 
7,  1883.  She  then  delivered,  at  my  special  request,  an  address  to  the 
young  people  of  my  congregation.  She  shrank  from  speaking  to  so 
large  an  audience,  but  consented.  I  find  a  note  in  my  journal  as 
follows:  'A  most  blessed  influence  rested  upon  the  congregation 
and  deep  impressions  were  made.' 

"The  memory  of  that  hour  lingers  on  my  heart  like  a  divine 
spell.  It  seems  as  though  it  was  but  yesterday  she  was  with  us  in 
the  above  service.     Her  face  shone  like  that  of  an  angel. 

"Your  mother  was  here  at  the  above  time  for  several  weeks  and 
spoke  a  number  of  times  to  the  young.  A  goodly  number  of  young 
persons  joined  the  church  at  that  time.  Some  of  them  are  very 
bright  Christians." 


Of  this  sojourn  in  their  home,  the  letter  of  Mrs. 
Meeker,  elsewhere  quoted,  gives  the  following  account : 

"In  her  visit  during  the  winter  of  1882-'83  the  beauty  of  her 
Christian  life  impressed  us  more  than  ever,  her  light  shone  with 
such  steady  brilliancy.  We  enjoyed  the  quiet  hours  spent  with  her, 
when  she  would  lay  aside  her  busy  pen  and  speak  with  a  deeper 
earnestness,  it  seemed,  than  ever  before. 

"  She  labored  in  the  meetings  that  were  being  held  in  our  church, 
and  many  were  quickened  and  brought  to  Jesus.  Our  little  son, 
ten  years  of  age,  had  been  prevented,  by  whooping-cough,  from  at- 
tending her  meetings.  One  Sabbath  he  asked  to  go  to  the  chil- 
dren's meeting.  We  consented.  He  took  a  seat  in  the  rear,  was 
deeply  moved  by  the  words  spoken,  came  home  and  gave  his  heart 
to  Jesus,  and  has  been  striving  ever  since  to  follow  her  teachings  and 
be  one  of  Jesus'  boys. 

"She  was  truly  one  of  the  'housetop  saints,'  always  rejoicing. 
In  the  midst  of  trouble  and  trial  that  would  have  crushed  stronger 
and  less  sensitive  organisms  she  was  peering  around  in  the  dark- 
ness, counting  the  mercies  that  were  left.     I  have  often  heard  her 


344  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

say:  'I  will  rejoice,  for  my  trials  have  been  God's  purifying  fur- 
nace.' 

' '  She  once  remarked  to  me :  'I  never  write  a  letter  without  bear- 
ing testimony  for  Jesus.'  Her  heart  was  so  full  of  the  love  of  the 
Master  that  it  was  constantly  overflowing  and  letting  His  light  shine 
through  her.     This  was  the  secret  of  her  great  usefulness." 

To  Miss  Nicholson,  of  Philadelphia,  Mrs.  James  wrote : 

In  New  York  city,  most  of  the  winter,  my  labors,  in  revival  serv- 
ices, Bible  readings,  visiting,  etc.,  have  required  all  the  strength 
I  had,  and,  indeed,  the  weariness  of  the  flesh  at  times  has  been  very 
great ;  but  the  soul-rest  has  been  so  sweet,  in  the  realization  of  the 
divine  Presence  and  love,  that  I  often  forget  that  I  have  a  frail  body. 
I  have  been  signally  helped  and  blessed  in  my  labors  for  Christ's 
precious  cause,  and  am  rejoicing  in  Him  all  the  time.  Blessed  be 
His  name  1 

In  the  spring  Mrs.  James  was  again  temporarily  called 
to  Trenton,  by  the  illness  of  a  relative,  but  the  season  of 
special  work  at  Ocean  Grove  found  her  there  once  more. 
If  she  could  have  known  that  this  was  to  be  her  last  sum- 
mer amid  those  scenes,  always  so  enchanting  to  her,  she 
could  not  have  been  more  diligent  in  improving  every 
opportunity. 

During  the  year  now  before  us  her  communications 
with  her  immediate  family  were  less  frequent  than 
usual,  and  were  mostly  by  postal  cards.  This  is  explained 
in  a  letter  to  her  son,  July  31 :  "I  have  intended  every 
day  to  write  to  you,  but  each  day  has  brought  its  duties, 
filling  up  every  hour  and  every  minute." 

Allusion  is  then  made  to  the  Convention  of  Chaplains 
and  Delegates  of  the  Christian  and  Sanitary  Commissions, 
and  other  army  workers,  which  she  had  greatly  desired 
that  her  son  should  attend,  but  duty  called  him  in  an- 
other direction,  to  her  regret  as  well  as  his. 


THE  LAST  TEAR.  345 

The  death  of  Dr.  Walter  C.  Palmer,  early  in  the  sum- 
mer, produced  a  profound  impression  upon  Mrs.  James. 
The  Christian  friendship  of  more  than  forty  years  be- 
tween them,  her  intimate  relations  both  with  Mrs.  Phoebe 
Palmer  and  the  present  Mrs.  Palmer,  the  suddenness 
of  his  removal  and  all  the  circumstances  attending  it, 
caused  her  to  feel  most  deeply.  Her  hymn,  Hold  up  the 
Banner,  suggested  by  words  of  the  doctor  in  his  last 
moments,  was  set  to  music  by  Professor  Sweeney,  and 
sung  by  the  people  at  Ocean  Grove  with  great  interest. 
In  the  letter  to  her  son,  already  quoted,  Mrs.  James 
remarks : 


The  Lord  is  good  to  me,  wonderfully  good.  I  have  more  strength 
and  ability,  both  physical  and  mental,  than  I  could  have  expected 
to  have  at  my  age.  Two  weeks  from  this  day  will  be  my  seventy- 
third  birthday.  It  certainly  must  have  been  the  Power  diviue  that 
has  preserved  me  to  this  age  and  the  Hand  divine  that  has  led  me 
all  the  days  of  my  life.  I  have  a  most  blessed  sense  of  the  special 
guidance  of  that  Hand  every  day  and  every  hour.  It  is  evident  to 
me  and  to  many  others  that  God  has  brought  me  here  this  summer. 
He  has  already  given  me  to  see  fruits  of  my  labors,  and  daily  my 
heart  is  cheered  by  assurances  that  my  "labor  is  not  in  vain  in  the 
Lord."  I  am  trying  to  be  careful  not  to  overtax  my  little  strength 
by  excessive  work.  After  the  9  a.m.  meeting  I  try  to  rest.  Have 
taken  a  room  away  from  Hodson  Cottage  [where  she  was  stopping] 
for  the  purpose  of  being  quiet  and  getting  rest  between  the  services. 
Those  through  the  day  I  seldom  attend,  for  I  am  not  able.  .  .  . 
My  appetite  is  tolerably  good,  and  I  have  much  to  be  thankful 
for. 

My  spiritual  comforts  abound.  My  "peace  is  as  a  river."  Not 
a  cloud  intervening  between  the  bright  Sun,  my  dear  Redeemer, 
and  my  soul.  Such  sweet  resting  in  His  blessed  will.  Such  un- 
wavering trust  in,  and  such  conscious  help  from  Him  who  is  my 
strength  and  righteousness,  my  wisdom  and  my  all.  Oh,  it  is 
indeed  "joy  unspeakable  and  full  of  glory." 
15* 


346  THE  LIFE  OF  MBS.   JAMES. 

A  month  later  she  wrote  : 

At  the  beginning  of  the  meeting  I  was  so  feeble  that  I  thought 
of  leaving,  but  prayed  that  if  the  Lord  had  anything  for  me  to  do, 
He  would  renew  my  physical  strength.  It  was  done  immediately, 
and  I  have  been  well  ever  since,  and  feel  stronger  than  I  have  in  a 
long  time,  though  in  labors  abundant. 

Mrs.  "Walter  11.  Morton,  of  Eed  Bank,  1ST.  J.,  whom  it 
was  the  joy  of  Mrs.  James  to  have  with  her  during  part 
of  this  memorable  season,  writes : 

"It  gives  me  pleasure  to  live  over  in  my  mind  those  precious 
days  at  Ocean  Grove.  Truly  we  were  on  '  the  Delectable  Moun- 
tains.' I  was  surprised  to  find  your  mother  able  to  accomplish 
such  an  amount  of  work  every  day,  and  then  sleep  so  sweetly  every 
night." 

After  alluding  to  the  confidential  chats  in  their  pleas- 
ant retreat,  Mrs.  Morton  continues  : 

"It  was  her  custom  to  rest  a  little  time  just  after  children's 
meeting.  One  day  there  was  a  little  dwarf  lad  who  said :  '  Mrs. 
James,  may  I  speak  with  you  ?  If  I  could  see  you  alone  I  could 
tell  you  what  I  couldn't  tell  any  one  except  my  own  mother.'  She 
said:  'Yes;  I  am  very  tired  and  must  go  to  rest,  but  you  may 
come  with  me  for  half  an  hour.'  She  was  deeply  interested  in  his 
case,  and  told  him  if  he  was  faithful  she  believed  the  Lord  would 
make  him  very  useful.  That  seemed  to  inspire  him.  She  said  to 
me:  'I  think  he  probably  thought  his  a  useless  life.'  He  was 
about  fourteen  years  old,  but  about  the  height  of  a  boy  of  eight 
years.  She  talked  in  the  cottage  with  him  until  he  said :  '  Mrs. 
James,  you  had  better  rest  now.  Are  you  very  tired  ? '  '  Oh,  no,' 
said  she;  'I  feel  rested.'  'Well,'  said  he,  'I  have  been  praying 
that  God  would  give  you  strength  to  talk  with  me.'  I  think  she 
said  they  had  talked  over  an  hour,  and  he  was  so  much  com- 
forted. 

"That  night  I  called  with  her  to  see  a  friend  on  our  way  home, 
and  it  must  have  been  ten  o'clock  when  we  left  there.     .     .     . 


THE  LAST  YEAR.  347 

"After  service,  each  day,  I  think  it  took  from  fifteen  to  thirty 
minutes  to  get  away.  As  I  stood  watching  the  people  these  words 
would  come  to  me:  'The  people  thronged  Him.'  I  said:  'How 
much  like  the  Master ;  unmindful  of  self,  and  an  ear  and  hand  for 
all.'     I  felt  honored  to  be  the  guest  of  such  an  one." 

The  work  of  Mrs.  James  at  Ocean  Grove  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1883  was  performed  with  more  than  her  ordinary 
intensity  of  zeal  and  activity.  With  all  the  multiplied 
demands  upon  her  for  public  labor,  she  did  not  lose  her 
wonted  interest  in  individual  cases.  Two  ladies  whom 
she  casually  met  and  found  to  be  seeking  to  know  the 
higher  life,  won  her  heart.  One  of  them  gained  a  blessed 
baptism  of  the  Spirit,  and  dropped  a  note  to  her  new 
friend,  who  "  was  wishing  so  much  "  to  have  her  address, 
and  promptly  replied.  Her  counsels  to  this  new  initiate 
into  the  richer  experiences  of  grace  are  characteristic : 

Remember,  henceforth  your  motto  is  to  be:  "Looking  unto 
Jesus."  This  is  the  secret  of  happiness,  of  safety,  of  usefulness, 
of  holy  living.  Looking  unto  Jesus  constantly,  unwaveringly,  you 
will  insure  victory  every  step  of  the  way.  Conflicts  and  trials  you 
will  have,  but  in  Christ  is  your  strength,  your  wisdom,  your  all. 
In  and  through  Him  you  will  be  sure  to  triumph. 

In  a  second  letter,  after  congratulating  the  lady  upon 
her  progress,  she  says  : 

Now  God  can  use  you  for  His  glory  as  He  could  not  before.  You 
are  entirely  in  His  hands,  and  I  trust  will  be  instrumental  in  the 
accomplishment  of  great  good.  But  you  must  look  for  testing, 
dear  one,  testing  that  may  be  severe,  for  all  the  grace  we  receive 
must  pass  through  the  fire  and  be  tried  as  gold  is  tried.  But  do 
not  fear  the  fiery  ordeal,  for  you  know  the  apostle  says :  "That  the 
trial  of  your  faith,  being  much  more  precious  than  of  gold  which 
perisheth,  though  it  be  tried  with  fire,  may  appear  unto  praise  and 
honor  and  glory  at  the  coming  of  the  Lord  Jesus."     Then  we  must 


348  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS;   JAMES. 

not  shrink  from  the  testing  process,  but  welcome  it  as  evincing  our 
Father's  tender  love,  designing  to  make  of  us  the  finest  jewels. 

The  associate  of  this  lady  did  not  seem  to  come  at 
once  into  the  clear  light,  and  Mrs.  James  wrote  to  her  a 
letter  of  counsel.  After  speaking  of  the  pressure  upon 
her  time  the  writer  says : 

But,  had  I  ever  so  much  time  to  devote  to  you,  all  I  could  say 
would  amount  to  this — simply  take  Jesus  at  His  word  and  trust 
Him  as  your  complete  Savior.  You  allude  to  a  blessing  recently 
received,  a  gracious  uplifting,  but  think  it  was  not  what  you  had 
been  asking  for — something  less  than  full  salvation.  Although  all 
consecrated  to  God,  all  on  the  altar  and  waiting  for  the  fire,  your 
offering  not  accepted !  Why  not  ?  If  you  had  complied  with  the 
divine  requirement  it  would  be  strange  indeed  if  acceptance  were 
refused.  It  would  be  dishonoring  God  to  think  He  would  not  keep 
His  own  contract.  Now,  dear,  don't  do  so  again,  but  be  in  an 
expectant  attitude,  looking  every  moment  for  the  hallowed  fire,  as, 
in  devout  supplication,  you  continually  wait  upon  the  Lord,  reckon- 
ing yourself  all  His,  saying,  "Lord,  I  am  Thine,  entirely  Thine." 

When  light  and  comfort  come,  receive  the  blessing  as  the  one 
asked  for,  and  honor  your  Savior  by  praising  Him  for  it.  After  all, 
is  it  not  the  Blesser  you  want,  and  having  Him  you  have  the  bless- 
ing ?  Surely  Jesus  is  yours  and  you  are  His,  and  now  He  wants 
you  to  recognize  Him  as  your  soul's  great  need  and  full  supply,  and 
just  rest  in  His  love,  saying, 

"  Thou,  0  Christ,  art  all  I  want, 
More  than  all  in  Thee  I  find." 

Is  He  not  made  of  God  unto  us  (you)  wisdom,  righteousness,  sanc- 
tification,  and  redemption  ?    What  more  do  you  want  ? 

You  say,  the  evidence  that  the  work  is  accomplished.  That  will 
come  when,  with  perfect  reliance  on  Jesus,  you  say : 

"'Tis  done,  the  great  transaction's  done, 
I  am  my  Lord's  and  He  is  mine," 

if  you  just  rest  there  and  look  no  farther  than  to  Him  as  your 
sanctification. 


THE  LAST  YEAR.  349 

Praying  that  the  Holy  Spirit  will  show  to  you  the  simplicity  of 
the  way,  and  you  may  speedily  enter  in  and  find  your  rich  inherit- 
ance in  Christ,  I  am  yours  in  Him, 

Mary  D.  James. 

This  was  probably  her  last  letter  of  counsel  to  a  seeker 
of  full  salvation.  It  embodies  the  results  of  threescore 
years  of  investigation  and  experience  on  the  subject,  and 
well  illustrates  her  way  of  helping  inquirers. 

In  September  the  writer  of  these  pages  was  unex- 
pectedly called  to  New  York.  His  sister  had  been  ar- 
ranging to  spend  the  winter  at  his  New  England  home, 
and  he  was  glad  to  go  to  Ocean  Grove  to  meet  her,  as 
well  as  to  greet  once  more  his  beloved  mother.  His 
reception  was  what  might  have  been  expected  after  a 
separation  of  nearly  a  year.  In  the  afternoon,  leaning 
upon  his  arm,  the  precious  one  walked  through  those 
pathways  so  often  pressed  by  her  weary  feet,  to  make 
farewell  calls  upon  several  friends.  It  was  her  last  walk 
amid  those  scenes,  sacred  to  her  and  to  so  many. 

In  the  evening  a  company  of  kindred  spirits  talked  and 
sang  and  prayed  together  in  the  sitting-room  of  Hodson 
Cottage.  The  next  morning  the  mother  and  daughter 
met  the  son  at  the  depot  and  the  three  went  to  spend  a 
few  hours  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morton,  at  Red  Bank. 

Mrs.  James's  work  at  Ocean  Grove  was  done. 

At  Red  Bank  mother  and  son  called  upon  one  or  two 
friends  and  the  morning  was  spent  in  delightful  converse. 
"While  yet  they  sat  at  the  dinner-table  the  carriage  came 
which  must  bear  daughter  and  son  to  the  train  for  New 
York  and  Danielsonville. 

Then  came  the  last  kiss,  still  warm  upon  his  cheek, 
and  the  clasp  of  those  dear  arms  which  seems  yet  to 
hold  him  to  mother  and  God  and  heaven  ! 


350  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

Of  this  interview  Mrs.  Morton  writes : 

"That  day  we  little  thought  would  be  our  last  together  here, 
for  she  expected  to  come  over  the  next  Wednesday,  and  we  would 
make  calls  together  and  have  a  good  time.  She  rested  a  while, 
then  we  sat  in  our  parlor  eating  fruit.  Then  we  took  a  short  walk, 
laying  plans  for  the  next  camp-meeting,  if  both  were  spared, 
gathered  golden-rod  and  other  flowers,  and  talked  of  our  Father 
who  had  made  them  so  beautiful.  Then  we  sat  on  the  porch  and 
awaited  the  omnibus  which  bore  her  from  my  sight  forever  in  this 
world.  But  I  often  feel  her  spiritual  presence  and  hear  her  words 
of  encouragement." 

From  Red  Bank  Mrs.  James  went  to  Little  Silver, 
!N\  J.,  where  she  spent  a  week  with  Mrs.  Elizabeth  H. 
Thomas,  to  whom,  from  their  girlhood,  she  had  been 
warmly  attached,  and  with  the  Rev.  and  Mrs.  S.  Towns- 
end.  Her  friends  noticed  her  feebleness,  but  her  visit 
was  a  source  of  joy  to  hosts  and  guest.  Her  next  visit 
was  at  Freehold,  the  special  errand  being  to  see  her 
nephew,  Mr.  Daniel  Yard,  who  was  wasting  with  con- 
sumption. With  joy  she  writes  of  having  been  to  him 
the  bearer  of  a  message  by  which  his  faith  was  strength- 
ened. They  parted,  hoping  to  meet  in  heaven.  His 
departure  occurred  only  a  few  days  after. 

Mr.  Avard,  of  Bloomfield,  was  quietly  sinking  into 
the  arms  of  death,  and  Mrs.  James,  prompted  by  her  in- 
terest in  the  family,  made  a  trip  to  that  place. 

Of  this  visit  the  Rev.  D.  R.  Lowrie,  in  the  letter  al- 
ready quoted,  says : 

"The  last  time  your  mother  was  here  was  Sunday,  September 
23,  1883.  I  made  a  note  again  in  my  journal  of  her  presence.  She 
said  the  Gospel  was  never  more  precious  than  it  was  that  morn- 
ing. I  asked  her  if  she  was  going  to  stay  in  Bloomfield  for  awhile. 
She  answered  :  *  I  know  not  just  what  my  Father's  will  is  as  to  my 


THE  LAST  YEAR.  351 

future,  but  it  will  be  the  very  best  for  me  and  for  all  iny  dear 
ones.' 

"It  was  the  last  time  I  ever  spoke  to  her.  She  met  the  chil- 
dren's class  of  which  her  friend,  Mrs.  C.  Meeker,  is  the  leader, 
and  addressed  them  that  same  day." 

After  kind,  wise  words  to  the  little  people  of  Bloom- 
field,  many  of  them  her  own  children  in  the  Lord,  Mrs. 
James  went  back  to  the  home  of  her  friends,  never  again 
to  walk  to  the  temple  of  God  on  earth. 


CHAPTER  III. 


TRANSLATED. 


Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Lankford  Palmer,  so  often  mentioned 
in  these  pages  as  for  twoscore  years  a  cherished  friend, 
kindly  arranged  for  Mrs.  James  to  spend  some  weeks  at 
her  home  in  New  York,  made  lonely  by  the  death  of 
her  husband,  Dr.  W.  C.  Palmer.  Rev.  and  Mrs.  George 
Hughes  were  also  to  be  there,  and  all  had  anticipated  a 
delightful  season  together.  Toward  this  haven  of  quiet 
rest  the  weary  pilgrim  turned  her  eager  feet  on  the 
morning  of  Tuesday,  September  25,  1883.  The  journey 
to  the  city  was  without  incident,  but  there  had  been  a 
rain  the  night  before,  leaving  the  streets  muddy,  and,  as 
the  lady  stepped  from  the  plank  floor  of  the  ferry-house 
upon  the  paving-stones,  she  slipped  and  fell.  Of  this 
accident  she  wrote  to  Mrs.  Hodson,  of  Ocean  Grove : 

In  coining  off  the  boat  I  fell,  and  was  very  near  being  trampled 
to  death  by  horses'  feet  that  were  just  coming  upon  me  when  two 
gentlemen  caught  me  up  and  saved  my  life.  It  was  a  wonder  of 
mercy  that  I  was  not  killed.  I  should  have  gone  to  the  bright 
world  above,  but  it  would  have  been  an  awful  way  to  go.  I  am  so 
thankful,  for  the  sake  of  my  dear  ones,  that  I  did  not  go  that  way. 
I  had  severe  bruises,  but  the  greatest  injury  was  the  effect  of  the 
shock  upon  my  heart.  I  have  had  much  suffering  since  from 
oppression  and  distress  about  my  heart.  Mrs.  Palmer  called  a 
doctor  and  he  is  still  attending  me.  But  I  am  looking  to  the  Great 
Physician  and  trusting  in  Him.  I  am  unable  to  use  any  exertion 
or  bear  any  excitement.  Several  times  I  have  felt  as  if  I  could 
not  live  another  hour,  I  have  had  such  extreme  suffering. 


TRANSLATED.  353 

The  effects  of  the  accident  did  not  prevent  the  attend- 
ance of  Mrs.  James  at  the  Tuesday  meeting  in  the 
house  of  her  kind  hostess  on  the  day  of  her  arrival.  One 
day  she  went  to  the  House  of  Refuge  for  Girls,  at  Ran- 
dall's Island,  and  addressed  the  inmates.  During  the 
week  she  took  a  few  short  walks,  and  greatly  enjoyed 
greeting  friends  who  called  at  the  house  of  Mrs.  Palmer. 

One  guest  has  since  spoken  of  his  observation,  that 
Mrs.  James  had  so  much  to  say  of  God's  care,  during  an 
evening  that  he  spent  at  the  house,  and  so  often  said, 
"  All  things  work  together  for  good  to  them  that  love 
God."  Another  was  impressed  with  the  quickness  of  her 
motions  and  her  almost  abnormal  activity.  All  realized, 
if  possible  more  than  at  other  interviews,  the  sweetness 
and  gentleness  of  her  spirit. 

She  was  invited  to  address  a  Sabbath-school  on  Sun- 
day, September  30,  and  had  arranged  to  do  so,  but  as  she 
was  not  feeling  well  enough,  Rev.  G.  Hughes  went  in  her 
place. 

With  all  her  feebleness  and  suffering,  this  earnest 
woman  could  not  be  idle.  She  was  engaged  in  the 
preparation  of  a  *  Bible  Holiness  Chart,  intended  to 
serve  the  double  purpose  of  being  a  sort  of  memorial  of 
Dr.  Palmer,  whose  likeness  it  bears,  and  a  collection  of 
Scripture  passages  and  poetic  verses  for  each  day  of  the 
month  upon  some  phase  of  the  doctrine  of  Christian  holi- 
ness.    Her  work  just  then  was  writing  the  little  poems. 

On  Tuesday,  October  2,  Mrs.  James  once  more  took 
her  place  in  the  Tuesday  meeting.  More  than  forty 
years  before  she  had  for  the  first  time  attended  a  like  serv- 
ice at  Dr.  Palmer's,  then  on  Rivington  Street,  and  found 
it  a  source  of  blessing.     How  often  during  those  years 

*  Since  published  by  Palmer  &  Hughes,  New  York. 


354  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

had  she  turned  her  steps  to  that  delightful  gathering  of 
Spirit-baptized  disciples  of  Jesus.  When  her  relatives 
were  expecting  her  to  come  to  them  by  way  of  New 
York  they  knew  well  that  she  would  not  come  on  a  Tues- 
day. Rarely,  if  ever,  did  the  fascination  of  that  meeting 
fail  to  hold  her  there.  Never  did  she  fail  to  reap  profit 
from  the  exercises.  On  this  occasion  the  service  was 
progressing  as  usual,  when  Mrs.  James  began  singing 
with  more  than  her  ordinary  vocal  energy,  the  company 
joining,  the  verse  expressing  in  such  simple  language  a 
precious  truth,  No.  30  in  Gospel  Hymns : 

"  God  loved  the  world  of  sinners  lost 
And  ruined  by  the  fall,"  etc. 

with  the  chorus : 

"  0  'twas  love,  'twas  wondrous  love, 
The  love  of  God  to  me  : 
It  brought  my  Savior  from  above, 
To  die  on  Calvary. " 

Her  hearers  remembered  afterward  the  peculiar  fer- 
vor with  which  she  sang.  After  the  singing,  she  rose 
and  bore  a  strong,  clear  testimony,  as  was  her  wont,  to 
the  power  of  saving  grace,  dwelling  especially  upon  the 
amazing  love  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus  to  her. 

On  Wednesday  morning,  the  hymn  at  family  devo- 
tions was : 

"  One  more  day's  work  for  Jesus, 
One  less  of  life  for  me." 

How  little  the  group  gathered  for  worship  that  morn- 
ing realized  that,  to  one  of  their  number,  there  was  but 
"  one  more  day  "  in  which  to  work  for  Jesus  on  earth. 

It  was  always  a  favorite  with  Mrs.  James,  who  sang  it 


TRANSLATED.  355 

at  this  time  with  unwonted  fervor.  Through  the  day- 
she  continued  her  writing.  In  the  afternoon  she  put  on 
her  bonnet  for  a  walk  with  Mrs.  Palmer,  but  the  calling 
of  friends  changed  their  plans.  In  the  evening,  Mr. 
Hughes  and  Mrs.  Palmer  went  to  prayer-meeting  and 
Mrs.  Hughes  and  Mrs.  James  remained  in  the  house.  Of 
this  evening  Mrs.  Hughes  writes : 

"It  was  my  privilege  to  be  with  your  dear  mother  the  last  even- 
ing before  her  death,  and  I  wish  I  could  call  to  mind  all  the  words 
that  fell  from  her  lips  that  night.  She  had  been  writing  the  verses 
for  the  Wall -Roll,  and  seemed  to  have  such  a  sweet  content  and 
satisfaction  with  the  work  she  had  done  for  Him  whom  she  loved 
so  much. 

"  She  looked  so  weary,  I  remarked:  '  You  have  confined  yourself 
too  closely  to-day  to  your  writing.'  '  Oh,  no,'  she  replied,  '  I  never 
wrote  with  more  ease,'  her  countenance  giving  expression  to  her 
words.  The  evening  soon  passed,  and  she  remarked  hwo  profitable 
it  had  been  and  how  she  was  refreshed.  I  then  assisted  her  in  pre- 
paring for  bed,  and  she,  thanking  me  for  all  I  did,  bade  me  '  Good- 
night.'" 

Her  friends  afterward  learned  that  she  had  suffered 
much  during  the  entire  night,  but  enjoyed  sweetest  com- 
munion with  God. 

Early  on  Thursday  morning,  October  4,  Mrs.  James 
called  Mrs.  Hughes  and  requested  her  to  send  for  a  physi- 
cian. Dr.  Miles  W.  Palmer  was  not  long  in  reaching  the 
sufferer,  and  his  remedies  seemed  to  have  a  favorable 
effect.  At  the  usual  hour  of  breakfast  the  patient  dressed, 
but  not  being  well  enough  to  go  down-stairs,  her  break- 
fast was  brought  to  her  room.  A  glass  of  hot  milk 
seemed  greatly  to  refresh  her,  and  she  was  relieved. 

The  account  above  quoted  continues : 

"Mrs.  Palmer,  husband,  and  myself  spent  an  hour  in  her  room 
after  breakfast,  in  conversation.     She  was  so  happy  in  the  thought 


35G  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

that  she  was  with  dear  Sister  Palmer,  but  did  not  want  to  make 
them  any  trouble.  After  loving  words  of  assurance  that  it  was  a 
pleasure  and  no  trouble,  Mrs.  Palmer  was  called  from  the  room  and 
my  husband  also." 

With  her  wonted  unwillingness  to  cause  anxiety  to  her 
friends,  Mrs.  James  had  refrained  from  all  allusions  to 
her  accident  in  writing  to  her  children.  A  postal  card, 
written  October  1,  said :  "  I  am  not  feeling  well,  but  am 
in  good  hands,  and  expect  to  be  better  soon." 

In  the  conversation  with  Mrs.  Hughes,  above  men- 
tioned, the  invalid  spoke  of  sending  to  her  children  the 
information  concerning  her  condition.  Mrs.  Hughes  re- 
marked: "I  do  not  think  you  are  going  to  leave  us." 
She  replied :  "  Oh,  no,  I  have  no  premonition  of  any 
change."  Yet  it  was  decided  that,  as  her  condition  was 
critical,  it  would  be  wise  that  day  to  make  the  fact  of  her 
illness  known  to  her  friends  in  New  England.  The  in- 
valid now  complained  of  coldness  of  feet,  and  rose  from 
a  sofa  where  she  had  reclined  and  seated  herself  in  a 
chair,  placing  her  feet  near  the  stove. 

The  conversation  was  largely  upon  the  things  of  God. 
Mrs.  James  alluded  to  a  letter  written  a  few  days  before, 
in  which  she  had  exhorted  her  son  to  be  faithful  in  seek- 
ing to  promote  the  work  of  holiness,  and  remarked  that 
if  that  should  prove  her  last  letter  its  impression  might 
be  all  the  stronger.  Much  was  said  of  the  precious 
texts  that  had  come  to  the  memory  of  the  sufferer 
during  the  night  before.  One  was :  "  The  Eternal  God 
is  thy  refuge,  and  underneath  thee  are  the  everlast- 
ing arms."  Another  was  partly  quoted :  "  God  is  our 
refuge  and  strength,  a  very  present  help  in  trouble." 
Mrs.  Hughes  continued  the  quotation :  "  Therefore  will 
not  we  fear  though  the  earth.be  removed,"  when  the 


TRANSLATED.  357 

sufferer  added :  "  And  though  I  am  removed  I  will  not 
fear." 

That  hour  of  hallowed  communion  !  With  what  sweet- 
ness and  power  it  lingers  in  the  memory  of  the  two  sur- 
vivors! Many  such  hours,  that  seemed  to  pass  in  the 
confines  of  heaven,  are  recalled  by  these  ladies.  This 
only  differed  from  others  in  that  it  was  spent  with  the 
pure  and  happy  spirit  just  pluming  its  wings  for  the  final 
flight.  Should  not  the  thought  of  the  influence  of  re- 
membered conversations  cause  Christians  to  see  to  it  that 
their  words  are  such  as  will  honor  their  Lord  ? 

During  this  interview  the  invalid  alluded  to  her  letter 
of  nearly  three  years  before  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Stokes,  in 
regard  to  her  funeral  sermon,  and  remarked  that  all  her 
preparations  had  been  made.  In  such  converse  perhaps 
an  hour  passed.     Says  Mrs.  Hughes : 

"I  shall  never  forget  the  tone  of  her  voice  or  expression  of  her 
face,  so  heavenly,  so  peaceful.  Mr.  James  then  came  in  [he  had 
spent  the  night  before  in  another  part  of  the  city]  and,  immediately 


The  physician  took  the  hand  of  his  patient,  and  re- 
marked :  "  Mrs.  James,  your  pulse  is  as  regular  as  clock- 
work." She  replied :  "  Doctor.  I  don't  feel  very  well," 
and  spoke  of  the  return  of  the  distress  in  the  region  of 
her  heart.  After  some  further  conversation  the  doctor 
asked  for  a  glass  and  water,  and  stepped  to  a  table  to 
prepare  some  medicine.  A  moment  later  Mrs.  Hughes 
exclaimed  :  "  Doctor,  she's  going !  "  Immediately  turn- 
ing, Dr.  Palmer  found  the  head  drooped  upon  the  breast. 
The  spirit  was  gone  ! 

The  last  subject  of  conversation  had  been  the  impor- 
tance of  being  alwa}^s  prepared  for  death,  and  the  fact 


358  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

that  it  makes  little  difference  what  are  the  circumstances 
to  one  who  is  "  ready."  The  sorrowing  husband  and  the 
cherished  friends  recall  that  the  last  words  of  Mrs.  James 
were: 

"I  AM   READY!" 

The  dear  friends  gathered  in  that  room  had  little 
thought  that  the  death-angel  was  in  their  midst,  so  si- 
lently, so  quickly,  had  his  work  been  done.  Yet  there  is 
the  memory  of  an  earnest  gaze,  as  though  the  spirit,  re- 
fined by  grace,  and  passing  from  earth,  had  recognized 
the  heavenly  messenger,  and  those  last  words  were  in 
response  to  the  call  of  a  voice  unheard  by  those  about 
her. 

Beautiful  close  of  a  beautiful  life ! 

Upon  the  casket  prepared  for  the  precious  remains  was 
a  plate  bearing  the  words : 

"  Translated  October  4,  1883." 

Since  he  who,  in  the  long  ago,  "  walked  with  God," 
and  "  was  not,  for  God  took  him,"  there  have  been  few 
removals  from  earth  so  like  a  translation.  One  moment 
the  spirit  was  communing  with  saintly  ones  on  earth, 
the  next  was  with  the  glorified  around  the  throne  of 
God. 

To  the  New  England  home  the  telegraph  flashed  the 
words,  "  Your  precious  mother  is  with  Jesus."  The  next 
day  the  son  and  his  wife  were  in  the  hospitable  home  in 
New  York.  There  was  the  father  and  the  precious  form 
of  the  mother,  but  for  the  first  time  the  kiss  upon  the 
cheek  called  forth  no  response. 

All  that  the  most  thoughtful  kindness  could  suggest 
was  done  for  the  stricken  family,  and  with  the  memories 


TRANSLATED.  359 

of  their  bereavement  will  always  be  interwoven  those  of 
such  Christian  courtesy  as  can  never  be  repaid. 

On  the  Sabbath  a  company  assembled  in  the  parlors 
at  316  East  Fifteenth  Street,  New  York,  and  the  pastor 
of  Mrs.  Palmer,  the  Eev.  J.  E.  Day,  D.D.,  conducted 
impressive  and  appropriate  services,  in  which  the  Kev. 
Dr.  Lowrey,  the  Eev.  G.  Hughes,  and  others  took 
part. 

On  Monday  all  that  remained  of  the  dear  one  was  ten- 
derly borne  to  her  native  city,  Trenton,  ]ST.  J.,  and  to  the 
State  Street  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  with  which  she 
had  been  connected  for  nearly  a  score  of  years.  The 
house  of  worship  was  well  filled  with  sincere  mourners, 
yet  all  were  impressed  with  the  absence  of  the  sadness 
generally  so  marked  a  feature  of  funerals.  The  prevailing 
feeling  was  that  produced  by  the  thought  of  the  triumph 
of  the  departed  one  in  life  and  in  death.  A  report  of  the 
services  alludes  to  the  symbols  of  "a  flower-wreathed 
harp  and  sheaf  of  wheat  on  the  casket  containing  her  re- 
mains as  most  expressive  of  her  poetic  genius  and  ripened 
religious  character."  Beautifully  appropriate  were  the 
exercises  in  which  the  Eev.  Messrs.  J.  Y.  Dobbins,  E.  J. 
Andrews,  J.  L.  Sooy,  J.  S.  Porter,  D.D.,  and  Andrew 
Longacre,  D.D.,  participated.  Eev.  E.  H.  Stokes,  D.D., 
delivered  a  discourse,  the  substance  of  which  will  be 
found  in  another  chapter.  The  Eev.  George  Hughes 
described  the  last  hours,  and  paid  a  touching  tribute  to 
the  memory  of  her  with  whom  his  own  spiritual  life  and 
work  had  been  so  long  and  so  intimately  associated. 

It  was  not  the  gaze  of  idle  curiosity,  but  the  tender 
look  of  those  who  feel  that  they  have  lost  a  friend, 
which  the  large  company  gave  at  the  face,  beautiful  in 
death.     With  tear-filled  eyes  one  after  another  turned 


360  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

away,  but  not  to  forget  her  whose  features  and  whose 
words  were  photographed  upon  so  many  hearts. 

In  the  Mercer  Cemetery  at  Trenton,  among  her  kin- 
dred, the  tenantless  form  was  laid  to  rest.  Upon  a  gran- 
ite monument,  with  her  name  and  the  figures  1810-1883, 
is  the  simple  statement : 

HER  LIFE  WAS 

"ALL  FOR  JESUS." 


CHAPTER  IV. 


REMEMBERED. 


"  The  righteous  shall  be  had  in  everlasting  remem- 
brance "  is  an  inspired  declaration  which  may  be  under- 
stood as  indicating  a  duty  to  keep  green  the  memory  of 
God's  saints,  and  suggesting  the  indestructible  nature  of 
their  influence.  A  right  life  so  impresses  other  lives  as 
to  become  a  part  of  them.  It  may  be  a  fitting  close  of 
this  volume  to  introduce  some  expressions  that  show  how 
the  life  we  have  been  contemplating  impressed  persons 
whom  it  touched. 

The  first  place  is  due  to  the  Eev.  E.  H.  Stokes,  D.D., 
once  the  pastor  and  for  many  years  the  highly  esteemed 
friend  of  Mrs.  James,  who,  at  her  request,  delivered  the 
discourse  at  her  funeral.  The  following  report  was 
given  in  the  Ocean  Grove  Record : 

A   JOYFUL   HOME   JOURNEY. 

Funeral  Sermon  of  Mrs.  Mary  D.  James,  preached  in 
the  State  Street  M.  K  Church,  Trenton,  October  8, 1883, 
by  Rev.  E.  H.  Stoles,  D.D. 

Just  forty  years  ago,  Mrs.  Mary  D.  James,  in  the  town 
of  Mount  Holly,  N.  J.,  dangerously  ill  and  expecting  to 
die,  said  to  her  pastor,  Eev.  J.  K.  Shaw,  "  I  want  you 
to  preach  my  funeral  sermon  from  the  text,  '  The  ran- 
somed of  the  Lord  shall  return,  and  come  to  Zion,' "  etc., 
16 


362       ,  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

Isa.  xxxv :  10.  This  was  said  in  the  evening,  and  just 
before  the  hour  for  holding  the  weekly  prayer-meeting. 
The  pastor's  heart  was  burdened.  He  felt  that  the  death 
of  Sister  James  at  that  time  would  be  a  loss  which  the 
church  could  not  bear.  He  was  a  man  of  commanding 
faith,  he  believed  in  God's  Word.  He  did  not  cavil,  ques- 
tion, or  criticise.  It  was  enough  for  him  that  it  was  said  : 
"The  effectual,  fervent  prayer  of  the  righteous  man 
availeth  much."  He  went  to  the  prayer-meeting,  told 
the  people  of  the  condition  of  Sister  James.  "  She 
thinks,"  said  Brother  Shaw,  "  that  she  is  going  to  leave 
us,  but  the  church  can't  spare  her  yet ;  let  us  pray !  " 
The  whole  congregation  fell  upon  their  knees.  The 
pastor  prayed  with  vehemence  and  wonderful  power. 
All  the  people  took  hold  of  God, 

"  And  wrestling,  would  not  let  Him  go." 

The  burden  of  the  cry  was :  "  Spare  Sister  James  to  the 
church  and  to  her  family  a  little  longer."  The  prayer  was 
heard,  and  that  very  hour  Sister  James  declared,  "  A 
change  took  place;  I  began  to  recover  and  soon  got 
well."  Twenty-five  years  ago  last  Friday  (October  5, 
1858)  Brother  Shaw  himself  died,  leaving  Sister  James 
still  active  in  her  Master's  work. 

Three  years  ago  I  received  a  long  letter  from  her,  nar- 
rating the  above  facts,  and  in  view  of  her  great  feeble- 
ness of  body  and  prospect  of  very  soon  passing  over  to 
be  forever  with  the  Lord,  asking  me  to  preach  her  funeral 
sermon  from  the  same  text  named  to  Brother  Shaw: 
"  The  ransomed  of  the  Lord  shall  return,  and  come  to 
Zion,"  etc.  "  My  funeral  will  be  in  Trenton,"  she  con- 
tinued ;  "  that  is  our  burial-place,  and  you  will  probably 
not  be  too  far  from  there  for  a  summons  to  reach 


REMEMBERED.  363 

you  in  time."  After  stating  two  or  three  reasons  why- 
she  desired  me  to  perform  this  work,  she  closed  with  this 
request :  "  Please  do  not  exalt  me,  but  exalt  the  dear 
Savior,  who  has  done  so  much  for  me.  I  am  of  no  ac- 
count ;  let  Christ  be  all  in  all.  This  is  the  reason  why  I 
wish  a  sermon  preached — to  glorify  Him  who  ransomed 
me;  who  hath  loved  me  and  washed  me  in  His  own 
blood.  Unto  Him  be  glory,  now  and  forever,  Amen." 
These  statements  set  the  whole  question  clearly  before 
you  and  the  reasons  why  this  text  is  selected. 

It  is  a  beautiful  passage  of  Scripture,  one  upon  which 
the  eye  of  the  church  has  for  ages  rested  with  peculiar 
joy.  It  is  like  a  torch  in  the  cavern  of  despair.  It  is  the 
morning-star  on  the  starry  brow  of  Night.  It  is  the  voice 
of  hope  to  the  soul's  sadness — nay,  more,  it  is  a  sun, 
flashing  out  great  billows  of  light  on  shoreless  oceans  of 
darkness,  flooding  all  things  with  joy  and  gladness.  It 
is  the  blue-bird's  trill  in  springtime,  assuring  us  that  the 
Winter  is  past  and  that  the  summer  and  flowers  and  fruits 
are  just  at  hand.  Beautiful  book  of  Isaiah,  and  this 
thirty-fifth  chapter  is  the  Kohinoor  diamond  of  the  book, 
and  this  tenth  or  last  verse  is  the  chapter's  center  jewel. 
No  doubt  this  departed  saint  read  it  a  thousand  times  in 
life.  It  would  naturally  attract  her  poetic  and  sensitive 
nature,  and  having  read  it  so  often  in  life,  she  desired  that 
in  death  it  might  be  caroled  as  her  latest  song.  "We, 
therefore,  only  do  her  bidding  when  we  say  again  in 
your  hearing :  "  The  ransomed  of  the  Lord  shall  return, 
and  come  to  Zion  with  songs  and  everlasting  joy  upon 
their  heads ;  they  shall  obtain  joy  and  gladness,  and  sor- 
row and  sighing  shall  flee  away." 

Zion,  to  the  captive  Jews,  away  off  in  idolatrous  Baby- 
lon, bound  and  enslaved,  was  the  type  of  everything 


364  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

beautiful  and  good.  Hence,  when  they  came  back  and, 
after  years  of  captivity  and  bondage,  from  the  summit 
of  Mount  Olivet  saw  for  the  first  time  the  holy  city  of 
God,  they  cried  out,  almost  delirious  with  joy :  "  Our 
feet  shall  stand  within  thy  gates,  O  Jerusalem."  It  was 
to  them  "  Home,  home,  sweet  home."  So,  in  the  text, 
Zion  means  home,  heaven  ;  blessed,  glorious,  eternal 
heaven. 

"  Come  to  Zion  with  songs !  "  Going  home  to  heaven 
with  songs !  Joy  in  the  soul  and  joy  expressed  in  songs 
by  tongue  and  lips.  Everlasting  joy  upon  their  heads ! 
Joy  shall  enwrap  them ;  joy  shall  crown  them  ;  joy  shall 
flash  out  from  them  like  dazzling  rays  of  splendor  from 
a  diadem  filled  with  precious  stones,  glittering  in  the  sun. 
They  shall  obtain,  they  shall  get  more  joy  and  gladness 
as  they  get  nearer  home,  and  sorrow  and  sighing  shall 
flee  away.  The  older  they  get,  and  the  nearer  heaven 
they  get,  the  more  joy  and  the  less  sorrow !  Why  ?  Sin, 
the  cause  of  sorrow,  is  taken  out,  and  purity,  the  cause  of 
joy,  takes  its  place.  I  used  to  think  old  age  was  joyless. 
I  have  changed  my  view,  and  now,  with  increasing  years, 
more  experience,  and  wider  observation,  say,  Christian ! 
old  age  is  sorrowless !     Come  to  Zion  with  songs. 

Redeemed  captives  return  home  glad.  They  sing  for 
joy.  The  nearer  home,  the  more  joyful  they  are  and 
the  more  they  sing.  They  shall  obtain,  get  more  joy ;  it 
shall  fill  their  souls,  shine  in  their  faces,  and  crown  their 
heads ;  it  is  everlasting,  the  same  by  day,  the  same  by 
night,  the  same  in  toil  and  care,  in  suffering  and  bereave- 
ment. It  does  not  pass  away  like  the  morning  cloud  and 
early  dew.  No ;  it  stays.  It  is  everlasting.  "  These 
things  have  I  spoken  unto  you  that  my  joy  might  remain 
in  you,  and  that  your  joy  might  be  full." 


REMEMBERED.  365 

A  Holy-Ghost  Christian  does  not  complain,  but  sings. 
Will  you  please  take  particular  notice,  it  is  everlasting 
joy.  Some  will  say  this  everlasting  joy  is  to  be  in  heaven. 
No,  no,  we  are  not  to  wait  till  then ;  it  is  everlasting  joy 
on  the  way  to  heaven.  "  They  shall  return,  and  come  to 
Zion  with  songs  and  everlasting  joy  upon  their  heads; 
and  they  shall  obtain  joy  and  gladness,  and  sorrow  and 
sighing  shall  flee  away." 

Flee  is  a  word  which  denotes  swiftness.  How  sorrow 
flees  before  some  blessed  promise  of  the  divine  Word ; 
flees  quickly,  as  distance  before  the  locomotive ;  as  shores 
melt  away  at  the  stern  of  the  out-going  steamer ;  as  light 
before  the  rising  sun  flees,  and  holy  joy  comes  in  its 
place. 

"  Quick  as  their  thought  their  joys  come  on, 
But  fly  not  half  so  swift  away, 
Their  souls  are  ever  bright  as  noon. 
And  calm  as  summer  evenings  be."' 

"  Thus  saith  the  Lord,  In  an  acceptable  time  have  I 
heard  thee,  and  in  the  day  of  salvation  have  I  helped 
thee :  that  thou  may  est  say  to  the  prisoners,  Go  forth ;  to 
them  that  are  in  darkness,  Show  yourselves.  They  shall 
not  hunger  nor  thirst ;  neither  shall  the  heat  nor  sun  smite 
them.  I  will  make  all  my  mountains  a  wTay,  and  my 
highway  shall  be  exalted.  Sing,  O  heaven,  and  be  joy- 
ful, O  earth  ;  break  forth  into  singing,  O  mountains :  for 
the  Lord  hath  comforted  His  people,  and  will  have  mercy 
upon  His  afflicted.  The  sun  shall  be  no  more  thy  light 
by  day ;  neither  for  brightness  shall  the  moon  give  light 
unto  thee ;  but  the  Lord  shall  be  unto  thee  an  everlasting 
Light,  and  thy  God,  thy  Glory.  Thy  Sun  [which  is  the 
eternal  God]  shall  no  more  go  down ;  neither  shall  thy 
Moon  [which  is  the  eternal  Son]  withdraw  itself:  for  the 


366  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

Lord  shall  be  thine  everlasting  Light,  and  the  days  of  thy 
mourning  shall  be  ended." 

Mary  D.  James  lived  in  just  such  an  atmosphere, 
crowned  with  just  such  glory.  She  continually  ascended, 
and  as  she  went  up,  drawn  by  the  increasing  attractions 
of  her  Lord,  blessed  by  His  eternal  Spirit,  she  saw  all  the 
mountains  filled  with  horses  and  chariots  of  fire  round 
about  her. 

Not  that  her  human  pathway  was  thornless ;  far  from  it. 

"  What  mighty  troubles  thou  hast  shown 
Thy  feeble,  tempted  followers  here  ; 
We  have  through  fire  and  water  gone, 

But  saw  Thee  on  the  floods  appear, 
And  felt  Thee  present  in  the  flame, 
And  shouted  our  Deliverer's  name." 

So  that  her  feet,  shod  with  the  preparation  of  the  Gos- 
pel of  peace,  walked  their  thorny  ways  in  joyful  triumph. 
Such  was  our  sister's  life — a  joyful  home-going  on  to  the 
end. 

She  was  a  joyful  Christian  child.  Born  August  7, 1810, 
in  the  city  of  Trenton,  N.  J.,  delicate,  sensitive,  spiritual, 
even  by  nature,  she  became  a  joyful  partaker  of  the  grace 
of  God,  and  was  clearly  and  fully  conscious  of  her  sins 
forgiven  in  old  Bethesda,  corner  of  Greene  and  Academy 
Streets,  in  her  native  city,  when  only  a  little  past  ten 
years  old.  She  was  indeed  a  converted  child !  Then  the 
church  had  but  little  faith  in  converted  childhood.  But 
they  sung  over  her,  and  she  sang  with  them : 

"  My  God  is  reconciled, 

His  pardoning  voice  I  hear, 
He  owns  me  for  his  child, 

I  can  no  longer  fear. 
With  confidence  I  now  draw  nigh, 
And  Father,  Abba  Father,  cry." 


REMEMBERED.  367 

It  is  a  great  thing  to  start  well,  and  she  started  joyfully 
on  her  long  Christian  pilgrimage  of  sixty-three  years, 
and  came  home  to  Zion  with  songs,  and,  through  the 
grace  of  God,  with  everlasting  joy  upon  her  head. 

She  was  a  joyful  Christian  woman.  I  mention  this  to 
show  that  her  joy  was  not  simply  the  exuberance  of 
youth  or  the  outgrowth  of  poetic  fancy,  but  rather  the 
result  of  deep  communion  with  God.  It  is  easy  to  rejoice 
or  to  be  joyful  when  the  sun  shines  and  all  around  is 
pleasant,  but  to  be  triumphantly  calm  when  the  sky  is 
black  and  the  tempest  howls  around  us  requires  the  help 
of  Omnipotence  and  Abrahamic  faith.     She  had  it. 

"  When  passing  through  the  watery  deep, 

1  asked  in  faith  His  promised  aid ; 
The  waves  an  awful  distance  keep, 

And  shrink  from  my  devoted  head ; 
Fearless  their  violence  I  dare, 
They  cannot  harm,  for  God  is  there." 

This  faith  made  her  joyful  in  the  darkest  hours,  so  that 
she  says,  in  her  letter  to  me,  "There  has  never  been  a 
moment  of  suffering  but  His  glorious  presence  has  so 
comforted  me  that  the  flames  did  not  kindle  upon  me, 
and  I  came  out  of  the  ordeal  not  only  unharmed  but  ex- 
ultingly  happy,  praising  my  Deliverer  not  only  for  bring- 
ing me  out  of  the  fire  but  for  placing  me  in  the  furnace, 
that  His  abounding  grace  might  thus  be  shown,  so  that 
others  might  be  encouraged  to  trust  in  the  covert  of  His 
wings.  How  I  do  thank  Him  that  He  has  enabled  me 
to  come  as  one  of  the  i  ransomed  of  the  Lord '  thus  far 
on  the  way  to  Mount  Zion,  with  songs  of  rejoicing,  and 
now  I  am  so  near  the  end  that  I  feel  quite  sure  I  shall 
reach  the  Mount  still  singing,  with  everlasting  joy  upon 
my  head."     Thus  her  own  testimony  shows,  and  all  you 


368  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

that  hear  me  this  day  know  full  well  that  this  testimony 
is  true,  that  she  was  a  joyful  Christian  woman. 

But  she  was  a  joyful  Christian  laborer.  Christian 
duty  to  her  was  always  a  privilege,  never  a  task.  She 
never  went  to  her  work  like  a  schoolboy  whipped  to  his 
lessons,  but  with  light,  elastic  step,  her  face  wreathed 
with  smiles — and  such  smiles — with  a  song  in  her  heart 
while  her  lips  exclaimed,  "  I  delight  to  do  Thy  will,  O 
God  ! "  What  a  tireless  laborer  she  was !  She  wearied 
in  the  work,  but  never  of  it. 

Forty  years  were  added  to  her  life  after  Brother  Shaw 
and  the  Mount  Holly  people  had  prayed  her  back  to  the 
world,  and  she  says,  in  the  letter  referred  to :  "  Thanks  be 
to  His  dear  name  who  has  thus  kindly  lengthened  out  my 
days  and  enabled  me  to  do  a  little  more  work  for  Him, 
so  that  each  day,  at  its  close,  I  have  been  permitted  to 
say: 

"  '  One  more  clay's  work  for  Jesus, 

One  less  of  life  to  me ; 
But  heaven  is  nearer, 
And  Christ  is  dearer 

Than  yesterday  to  me. 
His  love  and  light 
Fill  all  my  soul  to-night.' 

"  I  hope,"  she  continued,  "  when  the  last  shall  come,  I 
shall 

"  '  My  labors  with  my  life  lay  down, 
And  cease  at  once  to  work  and  live.' 

"  How  sweet  this  will  be,"  she  said,  "  if  thus  my  Father 
wills ; "  and  how  beautifully  this  patient  and  submissive 
prayer  was  answered  we  shall  see. 

"  When  I  used  to  see  my  dear  brother  Edmund,"  she 
continues,  "  working  beyond  his  strength,  I  used  to  say 


REMEMBERED.  369 

to  him, '  You  are  shortening  your  life  by  overtaxing  your 
feeble  frame,'  and  he  would  say, '  Why,  sister,  you  know- 
that  "  man  is  immortal  till  his  work  is  done."  '  So,"  said 
she,  "  I  am  really  inclined  to  think.  It  may  be,  too,  the 
Lord  has  something  for  me  to  do,  if  so,  he  can 

"  '  Prop  the  house  of  clay 
And  lengthen  out  my  day.' 

Then  with  all  my  heart  I  say,  '  Thy  will  be  done.'  It 
was  a  constant  prayer  from  my  conversion  that  God 
would  guide  me  in  every  step  of  my  way,  that  He  would 
choose  all  my  changes  for  me,  and  I  dare  not  doubt  He 
has  answered  that  prayer.  If  I  have  made  mistakes,  He 
has  overruled  them  for  good,  and  I  have  no  doubt  that, 
through  the  atoning  blood,  which  I  every  moment  need, 
and  every  moment  have,  I  shall  reach  the  celestial  city, 
and  when  I  shall  arrive  there  I  shall  say,  '  Surely  He  hath 
brought  me  by  the  right  way  to  a  city  of  habitation.' 
My  only  trust  is  in  that  precious,  all-cleansing  blood. 
My  heart  has  always  said  and  felt, 

"  '  I  nothing  have,  I  nothing  am, 
My  glory  is  the  bleeding  Lamb. ' " 

In  her  labors  she  forgot  self,  went  out  of  self,  and  joy- 
fully toiled  for  those  around  her ;  and  if  in  these  toils 
she  wTas  instrumental  in  leading  a  soul  to  Jesus,  her  songs 
in  the  house  of  her  pilgrimage  became  all  the  more  heart- 
felt and  enthusiastic. 

She  was  a  joyful  writer.  The  church,  around  the 
globe,  is  to-clay  full  of  her  joyful  songs.  Thousands, 
ay,  hundreds  of  thousands,  millions,  perhaps,  who  never 
saw  her  face  or  heard  her  voice,  will  sing  her  songs  for 
hundreds  of  years  to  come.  Blessed  be  God  for  such 
16* 


370  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

joyful  hymnologists !  How  many  hearts  those  hymns 
have  comforted,  inspired,  led  up  and  on  the  highways  of 
immortality,  will  not  be  known  until  the  history  of  the 
earth  is  unfolded  in  the  light  of  the  eternal  day.  She 
wrote  for  newspapers  and  magazines  articles  by  the 
hundred,  if  not  by  the  thousand.  She  was  the  author, 
too,  of  a  number  of  very  precious  books,  the  names  of  all 
which  I  cannot  here  enumerate,  but  prominent  are  The 
Shining  Path  /  or,  Life  of  Mother  Munroe,  of  Boston, 
and  The  Soul  Winner,  the  life  of  her  sainted  brother 
Edmund,  just  published.  Her  brain,  always  active,  kept 
her  pen  constantly  at  work,  and  the  good  she  did  is 
beyond  our  estimate.  We  have  wondered  a  thousand 
times  as  we  have  looked  at  the  frail  body,  often  pros- 
trated by  disease,  how  she  did  do  so  much.  It  was  the 
grace  of  God  in  her  that  enabled  her  to  do  it. 

Converted  to  God  in  childhood,  she  felt  the  liveliest 
interest  in  children.  She  talked  for  them  and  was  in- 
strumental in  leading  many  of  them  into  the  fold  of  the 
Heavenly  Shepherd.  And  thus  she  went,  from  year  to 
year,  for  more  than  threescore,  on  her  happy  way,  singing 
as  she  came  to  Zion,  with  everlasting  joy  upon  her  head. 

She  was  a  joyful  observer  of  nature.  "  Blessed  are  the 
pure  in  heart,  for  they  shall  see  God."  She  was  pure, 
and  she  saw  God  in  everything.  The  Christian  enjoys 
nature  above  all  others  because  nature  is  the  handiwork 
of  his  Father.  How  she  enjoyed  the  sky,  sea,  earth, 
flowers,  birds,  everything.  Speaking  of  the  home  of  her 
son,  where  she  was  always  a  welcome  visitor,  she  says : 
"  The  parsonage  is  very  pleasant ;  my  room  sunny  and 
cheerful ;  the  windows  commanding  lovely  views  of  the 
grand  hills  and  beautiful  mansions,  with  surrounding 
lawns  still  green  as  in  summer.    I  came  here  just  in  time 


REMEMBERED.  371 

to  see  autumn's  charming  beauties  ere  the  trees  had 
dropped  their  variegated  display.  It  is  a  scene  of  sur- 
passing grandeur.  A  miniature  Niagara  is  within  five 
minutes'  walk  and  magnificent  views  of  picturesque  love- 
liness abound.  Thanks  to  our  gracious  God  who  giveth 
us  all  things  richly  to  enjoy;"  and  how  she  enjoyed,  with 
the  sweet  love  of  God  in  her  heart,  all  things  richly. 

After  some  other  kind  words  she  closes  her  blessed 
letter  thus,  a  close  which  so  encouraged  me  then,  and 
still  more  so  now :  "  Dear  Ocean  Grove,  next  to  heaven 
to  me,  I  may  not  again  mingle  with  the  worshipers  there 
in  person,  hut  I  surely  shall  in  spirit.  I  shall  be  hover- 
ing around  there  if  disembodied,  and  though  with  other 
celestial  visitants,  unperceived  amid  the  throng,  shall 
sometimes  fan  you  with  my  spirit  wings  and  whisper  to 
your  heart  when  weary :  '  Look  up,  brother !  think  of 
the  bright  beyond  and  the  glorious  recompense  of  re- 
ward.' " 

In  connection  with  these  endearing  words  concerning 
Ocean  Grove,  which  to  me  were  so  sweet  that  I  could 
not  refrain  from  their  mention  here,  I  am  permitted  to 
say  that  her  work  at  that  place,  like  that  of  the  sainted 
Dr.  Palmer,  at  whose  house  in  the  city  of  JSTew  York  she 
died,  is  in  value  beyond  all  computation.  In  this  work 
she  was  incessant,  early  and  late,  year  in  and  year  out, 
always  peaceful,  always  happy,  always  triumphant, 
though  always  having  cause  of  sorrow  if  she  had  inclined 
to  be  sorrowful,  but  the  grace  of  God  in  her  enabled  her 
to  work  and  sing  away  her  sorrow  into  everlasting  joy. 

She  was  joyful  in  prospect  of  and  even  in  death  itself. 
In  a  postal-card  addressed  to  her  son  only  last  Monday 
she  said  :  "  I  am  not  feeling  very  well,  but  I  am  in  good 
hands,  and  shall  soon  be  better."    Through  blinding  tears 


372  THE  LIFE  OF  MBS.  JAMES. 

this  dear  family  and  all  of  us  can  say,  the  glorious  "  bet- 
ter "  has  forever  come.  To  her  everything  here  was 
good ;  heaven  eternally  better.  How  much  better,  earth 
has  no  words  to  tell.  If  I  understood  the  lan^ua^e  of 
heaven  I  would  tell  you,  but  I  do  not,  and  therefore  we 
must  wait  to  know.  If  she  couid  tell  us  she  would,  but  if 
she  did,  with  our  poor  dull  ears  of  earth  and  finite  compre- 
hensions, we  could  not  understand.  We  must  wait,  wait. 
"  What  we  know  not  now,  we  shall  know  hereafter." 

Mrs.  Dr.  Palmer  had  invited  Sister  James,  with  Broth- 
er Hughes  and  his  wife,  to  spend  a  little  time  with  her 
in  her  lovely  New  York  home.  The  days  were  gliding 
sweetly  by.  Last  Tuesday  a  week  she  had  a  fall  near 
the  ferry ;  she  probably  injured  herself  more  than  was 
thought.  Still  she  kept  up  and  was  cheerful,  thinking 
all  would  soon  be  well.  Last  Wednesday  night  she  was 
uncomfortable  and  suffered  much,  but  said  the  passage, 
"  The  eternal  God  is  thy  refuge,  and  underneath  are  the 
everlasting  arms,"  was  very  precious  to  her  all  through 
the  night.  In  the  morning  early,  Brother  Hughes  went 
for  the  physician.  He  prescribed  for  her,  but  while  he 
was  there  she  complained  of  coldness  in  the  extremities. 
Efforts  were  made  to  produce  warmth,  but  in  the  midst 
of  it,  suddenly,  while  sitting  in  her  chair,  her  head 
dropped  on  one  side,  and  she  was  gone!  The  eternal 
better  had  come !  Eot  as  she  or  any  one  else  supposed, . 
but  as  God  saw  was  best.  The  last  work  she  did  was  to 
assist  Brother  Hughes  in  getting  up  a  Bible  Holiness 
Chart,  or  Wall -Roll,  and  composed  a  verse  or  two  of 
poetry  for  each  day,  to  suit  the  subject.  Thus  was  the 
ruling  passion  strong  in  death. 

She  taught  the  great  doctrine  of  Christian  holiness,  not 
offensively,  but  kindly,  tenderly,  Christianly ;  professed  it, 


REMEMBERED.  373 

enjoyed  it,  lived  it,  and  died  in  its  blessed  possession. 
None  doubted  that  Mary  James  was  holy.  A  lovely, 
pure,  Christlike,  and  saintly  woman,  who  has  lived  with 
us  for  so  many  years,  has  gone  home  to  live  with  God. 
She  who  walked  sixty-three  years  with  Jesus  here  shall 
walk  with  him  forever  in  heaven.  She  came  to  Zion 
with  songs,  and  sorrow  and  sighing  forever  fled  away. 
The  beloved  Mary  James  has  met  her  Mary,  our  Mary, 
your  Mary,  more  than  all,  Jesus,  on  the  other  shore. 

Here  is  a  sad  and  desolate  husband.  Courage,  brother, 
take  a  new  hold  of  divinity  to-day,  and  you  will  soon 
meet  her,  forever  free  from  all  things  that  embarrassed 
you  here.  There,  too,  is  a  daughter,  fragile  as  her 
mother.  O  Annie,  take  a  fresh  hold  of  mother's  God  to- 
day, and  he  will  carry  you  through  as  the  ransomed  of 
the  Lord.  You,  too,  shall  return  and  come  to  Zion  with 
songs,  even  in  your  sorrow.  Here,  too,  is  a  son  she  so 
dearly  loved  and  of  whom  she  was  justly  proud,  of 
whose  wife  the  mother-in-law  said,  "  no  daughter  could 
be  kinder,"  and  their  children,  who  so  dearly  loved 
grandmother,  whom  they  shall  see  no  more  here — cour- 
age, all  of  you,  sing  on  your  pilgrim  way  until  you  meet 
your  wife,  mother,  grandmother,  aunt,  who  sings  eter- 
nally in  heaven.  "  For  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  shall 
return,  and  come  to  Zion  with  songs  and  everlasting  joy 
upon  their  heads ;  they  shall  obtain  joy  and  gladness,  and 
sorrow  and  sighing  shall  flee  away." 

Learn  from  this  whole  subject  that  the  grace  of  God 
in  the  human  heart  produces  joy  on  earth  and  leads  to 
joys  immortal  beyond  the  grave.  May  you  and  I  possess 
that  grace  in  its  fullness,  so  that  we  may  be  as  happy 
and  as  useful  as  our  translated  friend.     Amen. 


374  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

On  the  funeral  occasion,  the  Kev.  George  Hughes  de- 
livered an  address  in  regard  to  the  work  of  Mrs.  James, 
and  especially  her  later  days.  This  was  delivered  with- 
out notes  and  cannot  be  reproduced.  No  one  was  in  a 
position  to  better  understand  the  character  or  work  of 
Mrs.  James  than  Mr.  Hughes.  Their  Christian  friend- 
ship extended  through  many  years.  They  were  associ- 
ated in  work  for  the  Master  in  such  a  way  as  caused  their 
hearts  to  be  closely  united  in  Him.  He  has  kindly  pre- 
pared the  following  for  these  pages : 

TRIBUTE    OF    KEV.    GEORGE    HUGHES. 

It  is  under  the  promptings  of  a  loving  heart  that  the 
writer  presents  this  grateful  tribute  to  the  memory  of 
the  beloved  one  wThose  life-work  is  so  beautifully  por- 
trayed in  this  volume. 

Mrs.  Mary  D.  James  was  one  of  his  dearest  earthly 
friends.  In  form  and  in  disposition  she  strikingly  resem- 
bled his  precious  sainted  mother.  For  this,  as  well  as  for 
other  reasons  to  be  hereafter  stated,  he  was  drawn  toward 
her  peculiarly,  by  the  strong  cords  of  Christian  love. 

His  acquaintance  with  her  commenced  about  thirty- 
five  years  ago,  when  he  was  pastor  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church  in  Mount  Holly,  K".  J.  In  entering 
upon  his  work  she  at  once  gave  him  a  hearty  welcome 
to  her  home,  and  it  was  his  privilege,  during  the  two 
years  of  his  ministry,  constantly  to  share  her  generous 
hospitalities. 

The  Christian  friendship  then  formed  has  been  strength- 
ened by  the  roll  of  years.  He  has,  therefore,  enjoyed 
the  priceless  advantage  of  her  pure  example,  excellent 
counsel,  and  effectual  prayers.    Indeed,  she  has  sustained 


BEMEMBEBED.  375 

to  him  such  precious  relations  as  to  be  more  like  a  mother 
than  a  sister  in  Christ.  She  has  followed  him  in  all  the 
vicissitudes  of  his  earthly  life  with  maternal  tenderness 
and  love.  In  consequence  of  this  he  has  been  crowned 
with  benedictions  of  which  he  has  been  altogether  un- 
worthy, but  wThich  will  add  to  the  luster  of  her  crown 
throughout  the  ages  of  eternity.  It  gives  him,  therefore, 
joy  inexpressible  to  occupy  the  space  allotted  to  him  in 
these  pages  to  acknowledge  his  indebtedness  to  the  dear 
one  who  is  now  so  brightly  filling  her  immortal  sphere. 

In  seasons  of  perplexity  she  was  ever  ready  to  give 
him  good  counsel ;  in  the  deep  sorrows  which  at  times 
came  upon  him  "like  a  wide  breaking  in  of  waters," 
she  was  full  of  tender  sympathy  ;  in  severe  conflicts 
(and  he  has  had  such  conflicts,  when  the  pressure  was 
terrible)  her  inspiring  words  nerved  him  for  the  battle, 
and  her  loving  hands  were  ready  to  entwine  the  laurels 
around  his  brow  as  he  came  forth  from  the  field  with 
the  shout  of  a  conqueror.  She  knew  how  "  to  rejoice 
with  them  that  do  rejoice  and  weep  with  them  that 
weep."  Her  life  was  full  of  practical  illustrations  of 
that  beautiful  Scripture. 

During  the  pastorate  in  Mount  Holly,  referred  to,  Mrs. 
James  gave  her  pastor  her  warmest  co-operation  in  every 
effort  which  he  put  forth  to  extend  the  ^Redeemer's  king- 
dom. There  was,  however,  one  drawback  to  these  pleas- 
ant relations,  which  gave  that  pure  and  gentle  heart  con- 
tinual sorrow.  Her  pastor  was  not  entirely  sanctified, 
nor  was  he  favorably  inclined  toward  "special  meetings" 
for  its  promotion.  There  was  a  little  gathering  of  the 
devoted  ones  held  each  Saturday  evening,  at  which  Sister 
James  was  a  happy  attendant.  But  the  minister  in 
charge  always  had  what  he  esteemed  a  sufficient  reason 


376  TEE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

for  his  absence — he  was  too  busy  on  Saturday  evening 
with  his  pulpit  preparations.  God  was,  however,  an 
observant  of  the  many  tears  shed  by  that  holy  woman 
in  her  closet,  and  His  ear  was  attent  to  her  earnest 
pleadings  for  her  minister. 

The  remembrance  of  his  course  of  action  at  that  time 
is  very  painful  to  him  now.  But,  amid  it  all,  his  cher- 
ished friend  dealt  kindly  with  him.  She  never  pressed 
the  subject  upon  him  improperly ;  whenever  it  was  intro- 
duced it  was  with  such  humility  and  gentleness  as  to 
strike  tender  chords  in  his  heart.  Her  spirit  and  life 
constituted  an  unanswerable  argument  in  favor  of  the 
doctrine  and  experience.  And,  however  much  he  might 
be  inclined  to  criticise  other  professors  of  this  grace,  in 
the  presence  of  Sister  James  criticism  was  disarmed.  It 
is  one  of  the  mysteries  which  he  is  not  able  to  solve, 
why  he  was  not  then  and  there  led  into  his  New  Testa- 
ment privilege.  Unhappily  for  him,  not  for  long  years 
after  did  he  grasp  the  heavenly  prize.  And  when  the 
goal  was  reached,  none  rejoiced  more  than  dear  Sister 
James.  In  a  letter  to  her  son  she  poured  out  her  heart 
in  expressions  of  thanksgiving  to  the  Lord. 

While  revival  services  were  being  conducted  in  Mount 
Holly  the  following  remarkable  incident  transpired.  It 
was  Saturday  evening,  and  a  very  interesting  meeting 
had  been  held.  The  writer  was,  however,  very  much 
pressed  in  spirit  in  anticipation  of  the  Sabbath  services. 
He  had  been  all  the  week  in  quest  of  a  subject  for  the 
morning,  and  he  had  made  his  preparation,  but  it  was 
not  satisfactory.  As  he  was  retiring  from  the  church,  in 
going  down  the  aisle  he  met  Sister  James.  She  greeted 
him  with  her  sweet  smile  and  encouraging  words.  While 
conversing  she  said,  with  her  usual  modesty  :  "  There 


REMEMBERED.  377 

was  a  passage  of  Scripture  on  her  mind  which  she  would 
like  to  hear  him  preach  on  sometime."  He  inquired 
what  it  was,  and  she  replied  :  "  It  is  this,  '  Who  is  on  the 
Lord? s  side  f ' "  On  the  mention  of  the  passage  a  voice 
seemed  to  say  :  "  That  is  the  very  text  you  need  for  to- 
morrow morning!"  The  Church  was  not  working  as 
earnestly  as  could  be  desired,  although  sinners  were  being 
converted.  He  went  home,  retired  to  his  study,  spent 
some  hours  in  meditation  and  prayer,  made  a  sketch  of  a 
sermon,  and  went  to  rest  about  one  o'clock. 

On  Sabbath  morning  he  entered  the  sanctuary  with  a 
solemn  weight  of  responsibility  resting  upon  him.  His 
feelings  were  peculiar.  As  he  reached  the  pulpit  he  saw 
Sister  James  occupying  her  accustomed  seat  in  the  gal- 
lery with  the  choir.  At  times  her  eyes  were  closed  as  if 
in  prayer ;  doubtless  she  was  praying  for  her  pastor. 
While  conducting  the  opening  services  strange  emotions 
seemed  to  be  struggling  for  the  mastery,  and  it  was  with 
difficulty  that  he  could  proceed.  On  rising  to  announce 
his  text  he  stated  to  the  congregation  that  he  did  not 
know  that  he  would  be  able  to  preach,  and  asked  a  spe- 
cial interest  in  their  prayers.  The  text  was  announced  : 
"Who  is  on  the  Lord's  side?"  The  subject,  from  the 
first  utterance,  opened  to  him  with  such  clearness,  his 
mouth  was  so  filled  with  arguments  and  such  a  Divine 
unction  rested  upon  him,  that  the  truth  fastened  upon 
the  congregation.  At  the  close  of  the  sermon  he  ap- 
pealed for  an  immediate  response,  asking  all  who  were 
determined  to  be  on  the  Lord's  side,  from  that  time 
henceforth  and  forever,  to  stand  upon  their  feet.  The 
people  sprang  to  their  feet  on  the  lower  floor  and  in  the 
galleries.  Then  they  were  called  to  kneel  in  prayer,  one 
or  two  of  the  brethren  leading,  asking  for  a  special  in- 


378  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

duement  for  the  Lord's  service,  and  the  power  of  the 
Highest  overshadowed  the  assembly.  That  was  a  mem- 
orable hour ;  from  that  time  the  work  of  revival  moved 
forward  with  increased  interest.  The  preacher  has  never 
used  the  text  since ;  he  never  could  see  anything  in  it. 
It  was  given  for  that  occasion,  did  its  work  effectually, 
and  God  honored  the  beloved  one  who  suggested  it.  It 
is  a  matter  of  special  interest  to  remember  that  in  the 
company  of  those  who  arose  that  morning  was  a  youth 
about  fourteen.  He  was  at  the  altar  that  night  among 
the  seekers,  and  was  happily  converted.  He  has  risen  to 
eminence  in  the  church,  is  a  man  of  extensive  learning, 
and  is  honored  by  being  president  of  a  prominent  State 
university. 

Following  that  remarkable  Sabbath  was  another  beau- 
tiful incident  which  is  worthy  of  record.  One  evening 
the  people  were  in  a  jubilant  frame,  praising  the  Lord 
with  joyful  lips,  as  they  were  gathered  in  groups  at  the 
close  of  the  service.  Sister  James  was  in  the  midst  of 
them,  joining  in  the  songs,  her  face  shining  with  un- 
wonted radiance.  At  length,  under  some  overpowering 
heavenly  vision,  made  to  the  view  of  her  faith,  she 
bounded  up  and  down  so  gracefully  that  she  hardly 
touched  the  floor.  No  one  had  ever  seen  her  before  in 
such  ecstatic  movements ;  it  did  not  accord  with  her 
gentle  nature.  But  who  that  witnessed  that  scene  could 
ever  forget  her  countenance ;  truly  might  every  one  say : 
"  They  had  seen  the  face  of  an  angel !  " 

Mrs.  James  was  accustomed  to  visit  the  writer  in 
charges  which  he  filled  after  leaving  Mount  Holly. 
Those  visits  were  highly  prized,  and  were  made  a  great 
blessing  both  to  children  and  adults.  She  had  rare  gifts 
in  ministering  to  the  "little  people ;"  once  having  seen 


REMEMBERED.  379 

her,  and  listened  to  her  sweet  words,  they  never  forgot 
her. 

She  made  one  of  those  kindly  visits  while  the  writer 
was  pastor  of  St.  Paul's,  Jersey  City.  At  that  time  he 
was  a  free  user  of  tobacco — a  smoker.  The  tender  heart 
of  his  loving  friend  was  grieved.  She  prayed  much 
about  it,  and  had  many  conversations  with  his  dear  com- 
panion. She  felt  that  he  was  doing  himself  irreparable 
injury.  At  length  those  two  congenial  spirits  agreed  to 
take  the  matter  to  the  Lord  and  hold  Him  to  His  prom- 
ise :  "  That  if  two  of  you  shall  agree  on  earth  as  touch- 
ing anything  that  they  shall  ask,  it  shall  be  done  for 
them  of  my  Father  which  is  in  heaven."  Their  dear 
Heavenly  Father  was  put  to  the  test  and  His  Word  was 
magnified.  The  writer  had  been  engaged  in  special 
services  continuing  four  months.  At  the  close  he  was 
thoroughly  exhausted,  and  went  to  his  bed  with  a  fever 
preying  upon  him.  For  weeks  he  was  confined  to  his 
room.  On  recovering  he  arose  from  his  couch  with  a 
strong  aversion  to  tobacco ;  it  was  utterly  repulsive  to 
him.  He  could  not  account  for  it,  but  he  held  on  his 
way,  the  appetite  was  gone,  and  he  has  never  touched  the 
unclean  thing  unto  this  day.  Prayer  was  answered,  as 
he  learned  subsequently.  That  precious  Sister  James 
was  made  the  instrument,  undoubtedly,  of  saving  his 
life,  for  he  would  surely  have  broken  down  long  ago  if 
he  had  not  been  emancipated.  To  God  be  everlasting 
praise ! 

And  now,  starting  out  with  a  heart  glowing  with  love, 
gathering  inspiration  as  he  has  proceeded,  the  pen  of  the 
writer  has  carried  him  beyond  the  space  which  he  might 
reasonably  be  allowed  to  occupy.  And  lo,  he  has  hardly 
touched  the  pleasing  theme !    But  he  must  pause.    What 


380  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

is  the  conclusion  of  this  whole  matter — the  estimate 
which  a  calm  review  of  this  life  of  true  devotion  suggests, 
after  these  years  of  holy  fellowship  and  deliberate  survey  ? 

In  brief,  it  is  this :  As  to  character,  in  the  course  of 
forty  years'  ministry  he  has  met  with  none  who  more 
fully  possessed  the  mind  of  Christ  than  Mrs.  Mary  D. 
James.  The  love,  humility,  meekness,  patience,  gentle- 
ness, and  compassion  of  Jesus  were  lustrously  blended  in 
her  character. 

As  to  life,  it  was  pre-eminently  Christly.  In  all  the 
mutations  of  time,  amid  sorrow,  conflict,  and  provocation, 
Christly,  ever  Christly,  to  the  latest  hour  Christly.  To 
her,  emphatically,  "  to  live  was  Christ."  Her  thoughts 
were  Christly,  her  will  was  Christly,  all  her  aspira- 
tions were  Christly ;  her  affections  were  concentrated 
upon  Christ  as  "  the  Chiefest  among  ten  thousand 
and  the  One  altogether  lovely  !  "  Her  tongue  was 
ever  busy  in  telling  of  the  loveliness  of  Christ,  her 
songs  were  all  of  Christ,  the  sweet  lyre  which  she  held  in 
her  pure  hands  was  ever  attuned  to  the  praise  of  Christ. 
In  a  word,  her  life  from  the  bright  morn  of  consecrated 
childhood  unto  the  quiet  eve  of  advanced  age  and  of  ripe 
Christian  development,  was  a  continuous  and  effulgent 
comment  upon  the  beautiful  motto  which  she  had 
adopted  :  "  All  for  Jesus  !  " 

A  word  about  the  triumph  hour,  the  hour  of  transla- 
tion to  the  palace  of  angels  and  God.  It  will,  to  the 
close  of  his  earthly  life,  be  a  sweet  memory  that  the 
writer  and  his  clear  companion  were  privileged  to  spend 
the  last  days  of  Mrs.  James  on  earth  with  her,  under  the 
kindly  roof  of  their  mutual  and  beloved  friend,  Mrs.  S.  A. 
Lankford  Palmer.  What  days  of  hallowed  fellowship 
they  were !     What  sweet  converse  at  the  family  altar 


REMEMBERED.  381 

and  in  the  Tuesday  meeting !  "With  what  profound  sat- 
isfaction did  he  witness  her  tireless  work  for  Jesus, 
while,  from  day  to  day,  she  was  busy  preparing  the 
Wall-Eoll,  her  last  service  for  Jesus  on  earth.  And  when 
he  suggested  that  she  was  overtasking  herself,  her  face 
lighted  up  with  smiles  and  she  sweetly  said  :  "  O  no ;  it  is 
delightful ;  if  this  is  my  last  work  on  earth  I  shall  rejoice, 
especially,  that  it  was  for  the  cause  of  Christian  holi- 
ness !  "  Very  soon  after  these  precious  utterances  came 
the  Father's  welcome,  "  Child,  come  home  !  "  The  glad 
response  was  made,  rapturously  made,  "I  am  ready" 
and  lo,  in  an  instant  she  was  gone ! 

Jesus  has  fulfilled  His  gracious  word :  "He  giveth  His 
beloved  sleep  " — a  word  of  wide  significance ;  sleep  in  life 
to  refresh  and  invigorate ;  sleep  at  its  quiet  close,  as  a 
preparation  for  an  immortal  awaking.  That  word  hung 
as  an  illuminated  motto  over  the  couch  upon  which  this 
beloved  of  the  Lord  had  often  reclined  and  enjoyed  quiet 
slumbers.  Now  she  proves  its  richer  significance.  She 
sleeps,  sleeps  well,  sleeps  beautifully ;  sleeps  in  Jesus  as 
she  lived  in  Him.  That  is,  her  frail,  delicate,  physical 
organism  sleeps ;  her  spirit  is  wider  awake  now  than 
ever,  glorified  before  the  throne.  For  over  three  years 
now,  this  glorified  one  has  been  saying,  O  with  such 
rapture,  " My  cup  runneth  over  !  "  By  and  by  the  voice 
of  the  Eedeemer  will  be  heard,  saying :  "7  go  to  awake 
my  beloved  out  of  sleep  !  " 

On  her  casket,  the  day  her  earthly  remains  were  borne 
to  their  resting-place,  there  was  a  floral  tribute,  "  The 
Broken  Harp,"  fit  emblem  of  the  passing  hour.  The 
sweet  melodies  flowing  from  that  well-attuned  harp  no 
longer  salute  mortal  ears.  Now  she  is  among  the  celes- 
tial harpers,  holding  in  her  hands  an  instrument   that 


382  TEE  LIFE  OF  MRS  JAMES. 

shall  never   be  broken,  discoursing  more  than  seraphic 
music,  in  celebration  of  Jesus  and  His  love. 

Roll  on,  then,  ye  tides  of  time !  Heaven  be  pleased  to 
confer  upon  us  who  survive  the  grace  needed  to  enable 
us  to  finish  our  course  with  joy  and  bring  us  at  length 
to  a  blissful  reunion  with  the  loved  one  who  has  gone 
before.  And  to  the  triune  God,  Father,  Son,  and  Holy 
Spirit,  shall  be  everlasting  praise. 


For  many  years  Mrs.  James  was  delightfully  asso- 
ciated in  Christian  work  with  a  lady  whose  words  will 
be  read  with  interest. 

TRIBUTE    OF   MRS.    ANNIE    WITTENMYER. 

Mrs.  James  was  possessed  of  a  symmetrical  Christian 
character,  such  as  comes  only  from  early  piety  and  long- 
continued  and  uninterrupted  communion  with  God. 
Those  who  knew  her  best  could  truly  say  that  "  she  had 
been  with  Jesus  and  learned  of  him." 

Her  spiritual  sensibilities  were  very  acute.  She  was 
quick  to  detect  false  doctrines  and  visionary  and  un- 
scriptural  theories.  Being  familiar  with  the  Scriptures 
from  her  youth,  she  did  not  hesitate  to  put  every  new 
theory  or  singular  experience  to  the  test.  Everything 
must  have  scriptural  warrant  to  pass  current  with  her. 
If  false  teachings  were  presented,  she  arrested  thought 
at  once  with  such  rare,  sweet  charity,  that  no  offense 
could  be  taken,  although  the  false  theories  were  exposed 
and  the  truth  made  manifest.  She  was  for  years  the 
balance-wheel  in  meetings  for  the  promotion  of  Script- 
ural holiness,  held  at  Boston,  Ocean  Grove,  and  else- 
where, and  not  the  least  of  the  many  services  rendered 


REMEMBERED.  383 

the  church  by  this  eminently  pious  woman  was  that  of 
holding  a  high  standard  of  pure,  true  gospel  teaching, 
and  insisting  that  the  daily  life  should  correspond  with 
the  profession  of  faith. 

But,  more  than  anything  else,  she  was  an  angel  of 
mercy.  She  went  forth  to  herald  the  glad  tidings  of 
salvation  with  a  constancy  and  zeal  that  never  flagged. 
The  words  of  life  were  continually  on  her  lips.  Her 
whole  being  seemed  wide  awake  to  every  opportunity  to 
present  the  truth  or  to  do  good.  She  was  always  ready, 
"  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good  works."  Some- 
times it  was  a  word  fitly  spoken,  in  her  tender,  pleading 
tones,  from  the  car-window  as  she  hastily  greeted  a  god- 
less friend,  that  sent  that  friend  to  her  home  to  weep  and 
pray  and  seek  salvation.  Sometimes  it  was  a  gentle 
reproof,  given  in  such  pathetic  tones  of  grief  that  the 
blasphemer  stood  confounded  before  her,  with  scarcely 
strength  to  ask  her  forgiveness  and  her  prayers.  She 
was  never  taken  unawares ;  she  was  always  ready,  night 
or  day,  to  admonish,  comfort,  or  lift  her  voice  in  prayer. 

In  dealing  with  souls  she  had  the  wisdom  that  cometh 
from  above ;  the  spiritual  discernment  that  enabled  her  to 
find  the  difficulties  in  the  way  and  clear  the  path  to  God. 

Multitudes  were  brought  to  Christ  through  her  earnest 
words  and  shining  example.  Among  the  white-robed 
throng  who  walk  the  streets  of  gold  there  are  thousands 
to  greet  her  as  the  messenger  of  mercy  who  helped  them 
to  find  Christ  and  heaven. 

Mrs.  James  possessed  that  rarest  of  all  gifts,  power 
with  children.  She  understood  their  needs  and  they 
understood  and  loved  her.  Like  her  blessed  Lord,  she 
gathered  the  children  about  her  and  "  took  them  in  her 
arms  and  blessed  them  "  by  teaching  them  the  way  to 


384  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.  JAMES. 

Christ.  Brought  to  the  knowledge  of  the  truth  when 
but  a  little  child  herself,  her  whole  heart  went  out  in 
earnest  longing  to  bring  every  little  child  to  the  Savior's 
loving  arms.  Hundreds  were  brought  to  Christ  through 
her  instrumentality,  who  are  now  engaged  in  church  and 
missionary  work. 

Her  feet  were  planted  on  the  Rock ;  her  Christian  ex- 
perience was  deep  and  abiding ;  her  faith  was  steadfast, 
immovable.  She  walked  out  upon  God's  promises  with 
unshrinking  feet  and  with  trusting  heart.  Joy  in  the 
Lord  was  written  all  over  her  face,  and  from  the  warm, 
rich  experiences  of  her  heart  she  sang  the  praises  of  her 
God  in  such  sweet  and  graceful  numbers  that  the  church 
and  Sunday-school,  taking  up  the  strain,  have  gone  on 
singing  the  words  she  wrote,  and  will  go  on  repeating 
them  while  there  are  redeemed  souls  on  earth  to  sing 
praises  to  God. 

Delicate  and  refined  in  person  and  manners,  her  face 
was  made  still  more  beautiful  by  the  lines  that  grace 
had  traced  and  chiseled  out  during  the  long  years  that 
she,  like  "  Enoch,  walked  with  God."  So  that  when  at 
last  she  stood  among  the  shining  throng,-  and  the  white 
light  of  a  Savior's  presence  beamed  upon  her,  His  image 
was  already  there,  to  reflect  the  glory  of  her  divine  Lord. 
Methinks  that  she  will  be  so  little  changed  that  those 
who  knew  her  on  the  earth,  who  shall  be  privileged  to 
join  that  shining  throng,  will  recognize  her  in  heaven. 


Since  the  chapter  of  this  volume  entitled  "  At  Camp- 
meeting"  was  put  in  type,  the  following  paper,  pre- 
pared for  and  read  at  the  Memorial  Service  at  Ocean 
Grove  in  1884,  has  been  received,  and  is  with  pleasure 


REMEMBERED.  3S5 

placed  among  the  expressions  of  appreciation  of  Mrs. 
James. 

TRIBUTE    OF   MRS.    KENNARD   CHANDLER. 

Her  going  was  so  beautiful.  The  night,  with  its  dark- 
ness, had  passed  away.  Aurora  had  touched,  with  rosy 
fingers,  the  portals  of  the  dawn,  and  the  glad  light  had 
softly  wakened  the  landscape,  and  crept  over  "  the  mur- 
muring sea,  where  the  mariner,  watching  his  compass, 
was  steering  his  bark  for  home,"  when  the  messenger 
angel  touched  her  softly,  saying:  "The  Spirit  and  the 
bride  say,  Come."  In  that  wonder  hour  of  vision,  as  she 
recognized  her  angelic  escort,  with  lifted,  shining  face, 
and  outreaching  hand,  in  glad,  clear  tones  she  responded : 
"  I  am  ready."  Passing  city  wall  of  jasper,  through  a 
great  pearl  which  swung  back  on  glittering  hinge,  she 
entered  that  city  so  shining  and  fair. 

To  Mr.  Hughes  the  church  is  indebted  for  the  Wall- 
Eoll  upon  which  she  was  engaged  at  the  time  of  her 
death.  Its  posthumous  publication  is  a  splendid  monu- 
ment to  its  author ;  upon  its  enduring  pages  are  engraven 
her  full  completeness,  her  highest  development.  Her 
"  star  blazes  brightest  at  her  tomb  "  throwing  its  radiant 
beams  upon  the  walls  of  hundreds  of  homes,  and  with 
shining  gleam  of  hope  illumining  the  darkness  of  many 
weary,  aching  hearts. 

Never  did  her  rare  gift  of  authorship  shine  with  brighter 
luster  than  at  the  close  of  her  beautiful  earth  life.  Her 
manuscript,  with  its  last  almost  inspired  lines,  lies  unfin- 
ished here,  but  dipping  her  immortal  pen  in  the  violet 
hue  of  the  purpling  flood  which  crimsoned  Calvary  she 
writes  and  sings  forever :  "  Unto  Him  who  hath  loved 
us,  and  washed  us  from  our  sins  in  His  own  blood,  and 
17 


3S6  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

hath  made  us  kings  and  priests,  unto  Him  be  glory  for- 
ever and  ever." 

One  golden  evening,  six  years  ago,  sitting  at  the  sun- 
set hour  in  a  tent  at  Ocean  Grove,  there  came  into  it  a 
little  woman,  having  the  sweetest  face  I  thought  I  had 
ever  seen.  "  Who  is  that  lady  ? "  I  inquired  of  my  sister. 
She  whispered  back  to  me :  "  That  is  Mrs.  James ;  she 
has  written  Fifty  Years'  Walk  with  Jems? 

The  meeting  went  on,  but  I  studied  that  quiet  face, 
her  eyes  like  mirrors,  reflecting  the  peaceful  sky  of  soul, 
so  that  it  needed  no  voice  to  tell  me  there  was  before 
us,  even  in  our  midst,  a  half-century  verification  of  the 
Christ  gift :  "  My  peace  I  give  unto  you :  My  peace  I 
leave  with  you.     Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled." 

It  was  shortly  after  my  privilege  to  meet  her  person- 
ally, and  I  was  honored  with  her  friendship  and  confi- 
dence till  the  hour  of  her  translation.  One  could  not 
converse  with  her  without  being  impressed  with  the 
beautiful  harmony  of  her  character,  the  intimate  union 
of  the  good  and  beautiful,  and  comprehending,  in  some 
measure,  the  depth  of  her  consecration.  She  lived  con- 
stantly "  in  union  with  the  Purest  One,"  and  its  results 
were  voiced  in  her  soul-breathed  hymn,  "  O  blessed  fel- 
lowship divine."  She  had  rare  power  to  win  others  to 
Christ. 

One  Sabbath  evening  we  went  together  to  a  little 
country  church,  where  for  years  there  had  been  no  out- 
ward manifestation  of  the  working  of  the  Spirit,  and 
whose  pastor  was  discouraged  at  the  lack  of  revival  indi- 
cations. As,  in  her  simple,  womanly  grace,  she  stood  be- 
fore those  people,  and  in  true  eloquence,  born  of  passion- 
ate desire,  pleaded  with  them  to  be  reconciled  to  God,  by 
giving  their  hearts  to  the  Savior,  the  Spirit  began  to 


REMEMBERED.  387 

move  upon  yielding  hearts,  and  to  the  surprise  of  the 
pastor  himself,  several  persons  presented  themselves  at 
the  altar  as  penitents,  and  that  night  was  the  beginning 
of  a  gracious  revival. 

She  was  not  exempt  from  trial.  Many  times  has  she 
come  to  me,  in  an  hour  of  trial,  speaking  of  it  with 
trembling  voice  but  always  with  brightening  eye  and 
shining  face,  ending  by  saying,  in  her  sweet  voice,  "  But 
I  have  told  Jesus  all  about  it,  and  I  know  He  will  help 
me  now  just  as  He  always  has  in  the  past."  She  pos- 
sessed, in  a  most  marked  degree,  a  sympathy  with  other 
people  in  sorrow  or  trial  of  any  kind,  and  she  believed 
for  them  just  as  simply  as  she  trusted  for  herself. 


If  these  estimates  of  the  life  so  imperfectly  portrayed 
in  this  book  are  not  greatly  exaggerated,  its  light  shone 
with  a  brilliancy  comparable  to  that  of  the  electric  light. 

Not  alone  by  its  brightness  does  the  electric  light  il- 
lustrate Christian  influence.  Its  radiance  is  borrowed, 
not  inherent.  It  shines  from  a  piece  of  carbon — wood,  the 
old  life  of  which  has  been  burned  out.  It  is  seen  only 
while  the  carbon  is  connected  with  a  distant  battery. 
The  tiniest  "  incandescent "  receives  its  brightness  from 
the  same  source  as  the  largest  "  arc "  burner,  and  may 
serve  its  purpose  as  well. 

So  the  Christian's  light  is  all  divine.  It  is  bright  in 
proportion  as  the  old  self-life  is  burned  out  by  "  refining 
fire."  It  shines  only  while  the  soul  abides  in  Christ  and 
manifests  His  life  in  loving  service.  The  humblest  child 
of  God  may  be  as  important  in  the  great  plan  of  illumi- 
nating the  world  as  one  in  an  exalted  position.  The 
place  of  each  is  divinely  assigned  with  the  imperative 


388  THE  LIFE  OF  MRS.   JAMES. 

command  :  "  Let  your  light  so  shine  before  men  that  they 
may  see  your  good  works  and  glorify  your  Father  in 
Heaven." 

For  three  years  there  has  been  upon  the  writer  of  this 
volume  a  weight  of  responsibility.  His  mother's  papers 
were  a  sacred  trust.  Upon  every  page  she  had  sought 
the  light  divine.  Fervently  has  the  son  prayed  that  the 
new  setting  might  not  dim  the  light,  but  cause  it  to 
shine  on  to  the  glory  of  Him  who  gave  it. 

This  paragraph  will  end  the  work  of  the  writer,  and 
the  book  with  all  its  defects  must  be  committed  to  God. 
If  the  writing  has  involved  responsibility  is  there  none 
connected  with  the  reading  ?  One  might  read  the  life- 
story  of  a  hero  of  earth  much  as  he  would  the  description 
of  a  marvel  of  nature,  with  little  thought  beyond  that 
of  its  strangeness.  The  record  of  a  life  made  sublime 
and  useful  by  God's  grace  shows  what  that  grace  will  do 
for  others.  Dear  reader,  if  these  pages  have  thrown 
light  upon  Christian  privilege  or  duty,  your  privilege  and 
your  duty,  are  you  not  under  fresh  obligations  to  walk  in 
that  light  ? 


COLUMBIA  UNIVERSITY 


0035521414 


938.  <S 


JZ3  4- 


o 
o 


BRITTLE  DO  NW 
PHOTOCOPY 


FEB  24  1949 


